How do you explain unanswered prayer?

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Baileybearposted 14 years ago
eg the the people that didn't get healed when you prayed for them? Not enough faith? Hidden sin? God doesn't care? Answered prayers are really just luck anyway?
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  Stevennix2001posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  yeah, but if god answered every single prayer in the world, we would become too dependent on him and it would inhibit our growth as a species. i like to think god does answer prayers when he has to, but he would never get directly involved as it would be interfering with free will.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Not logical - any interference interferes with free will.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  With the Xian deity construct there is no free will. There isn't any with reality either.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  some people have freedom and anarchy confused.
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Exactly !!!
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  dutchman1951posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You reduce God here to ATM Machine status!!!!!!
  
  sometimes it is stocked with money and you get what you want?
  and if your the last Guy in line on the weekend, you dont???????
  
  Stevennix, thats totaly ludicrist...... wow!
  
  amazing religionistic facts!
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  Barbara Kayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I think it is important that we pray to show our dependence on God. Just remember every prayer is answered. Just sometimes the answer is no. God knows much better than we do what is the best for us.
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  Barbara Kayposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  By the way God isn't Santa Claus. He's not going to give us everything we want. Sometimes there are good reasons we go through hard times. They make us stronger, give us an opportunity to be a good witness to others, etc.
  
  If someone passes away because they aren't healed they are going to heaven and be in a much better place. It's only those that are left that hurt when someone dies.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Watching tens of thousands of children starve to death every day makes you stronger? These are good reasons?
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It is SOoo sad that Death seems to be the only source of population control that works.
  
  I was watching a program last night. Do you know how many millions of Roman citizens died during the Justinian plague in the 6Th century.
  
  How many died during the bubonic plague in the 13 century?
  
  Imagine if these people had not died?
  If each of them had lived to have their quota of children.
  If their children had lived to have theirs.
  
  Through out the centuries population growth has remained consistent.
  
  Is that Fair ?
  
  This IS your answer whether you want to accept it or not.
  
  You are always talking about the laws of physics!
  
  This seems to be one!
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Just as long as it's not your death.
  
  It is very sad and cruel to justify the deaths of millions in order to support your belief system, Jerami. Very sad and very cruel, indeed.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, your god knows best to not feed the starving but he must grant trips to Disneyland. It's all for the greater good of Christianity.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  There are far too many examples that support the fact that prayers don't get answered. No matter what though, believers will insist their prayers get answered "at gods discretion" and no matter what will also insist that whatever prayers don't get answered is all mans fault.
  
  Point in question: tens of thousands of starving Christians die every day, no matter how much they pray for a morsel of food.
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  elmina80posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I totally agree with you,i can never accept the,'you're standing in your own way theory' that philosophers and self-help guru's try to make us believe when things are not working out for us.since we cannot blame god or others,why dont we put the responsibility on ourselves.no one has the answers.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  man does not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the lord ,he may not give where in excess but he gives all you need,walk not in darkness come into the light while their is still time.the lord has said a truth,my spirit shall not always strive with man(most people these daze want something for nothing god teaches if you don't work you don't eat) so also comes faith you work at it read the word believe it talk about it write the father's commandments on the strings of your heart,live it (at your best) daily,prayer never ceasing,become not a slave to mammon you can not serve two masters store up treasure in heaven not on earth ,for where your treasure is there your heart iz also.for things of the flesh remain flesh and of the spirit they be of spirit ,the work i speak of be of spirit for nothing is to be gained by the flesh. look at the starz at nite open your mind to the mind of a creator so great he made all that and us as well can we do less than serve him out of love not tyranny,for he loved us so much that he gave his only begotten son,like a lamb to the slaughter,so that who soever should believe in him should not perish but have life everlasting, how much more can anyone give than their life is it so much to ask to love him back ,because you see you were a tiny soul god made amongst all the hundreds of thousands in all their tiny portals but he knows every one personally he cherished it and his Angeles keep it and one day he said its time and here you are and now he waits anxiously for you to return and his heart do break at your transgressions please don't hurt the father come back where you once belonged you'll see it's better in the light.shalom
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Nice line in complete blithering babble you got going here Giddy 'ole son
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  gooberpyleposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  why what n tarnationz wrong wif ye alternator prit u seen that big o'l sord tha fullerz got lookz kike hez libal 2 cut yer head offen yer sholderz an ...down yer neck ,heck down hare in boggy creek we'd do'er wif er cain saw keyuck keyuck.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Do you have some point to that sermon?
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  Thomas@theoneposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  your exactly right!
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  The Darkened Oneposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Was there any answered prayers...ever?
  
  For the sake of the argument if we assume prayer gets answered then we have to admit God itself is biased because he is intervening the natural order, breaking the laws of nature & favoring only those who likes to oil his ass. Isnt that shameful?
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  John W. Watsonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That's a funny take; oiling his ass. Just remember, we are all one. Just remember that every voice on this planet is of value. If your voice is a vote for peace on earth, you should expect God's good graces. It's the soul you harvest, not the prayer you pray just when you need Him to do you a solid.
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  bulletproofballooposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Unanswered prayers... It's impossible for us, as humans, to see the big picture of life as we live it. God is in the past present and future, and therefore, already knows how things are going to play out because he knows us and created us. If your praying for God to answer a prayer, I'm assuming that you believe in him and believe that he is a personal God, why else would you even attempt prayer? Therefore, I'm also assuming that you should want his will to be done for your life and those around you. Again, we can't see this big picture of life completely, but we're called to trust that even "Unanswered" prayers are answered prayers that God's will for our lives is being done.
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  IntimatEvolutionposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  How do you know the prayer went unanswered? Maybe his answer was no!
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  Deborah Sextonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  ____________________________
  James 4:3
  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
  (Not God's Will)
  
  John 9:31
  Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
  
  James 4:8
  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded
  (He doubts)
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  bird of happinesposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  well it's not about how hard you pray its about how much you belive in this persons healing that will make it better or nor, i will realy recommand you to read the" secret," i can tell you from expiriance that healing mirecles do happen, when you belive in them.
  its all around us all the time,.
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  nbbatt.composted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Each prayer will be answered, but we don't know when it comes. Just keep doing good in everything, we feel near God, the prayer will be close to come. Good Luck
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  CariDoughyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  This can be quite a tricky question and definitely depends on your faith. A Christian will try to find the moral of the experience; a Hindu will try to find the karma of the person's past and present lives, etc. If we are talking solely from a Christian perspective though, people have to remember that He does not answer all and knows best for us. Because of this, we cannot expect all prayers to come into fruition. We should all be grateful for what we have, look on the positive side of things, and continue to live life to the max.
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  mythbusterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I think it is possible that some people forget their own responsibilities and accountability in the world and raise their eyes and hands in asking for help when they may really be able to sufficiently help themselves from the start.
  
  Why does God have to have all these responsibilities and answer everyone's prayers? Why do we allow ourselves to believe that it is God's "job" to love us and respond to use before we even test out what we can be responsible and accountable for?
  
  Unanswered prayers may just be God saying, "Heck, do it yourself!"
  
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I think he said it way way back...guys...everything is out there and in you. now I'm going to rest, now.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Pushing truck loads of hypocrisy must be so tiring.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  speaking from experience....on my way to buy food now
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  klarawieckposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Can you get me something to eat?!
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Did you hear that, starving kids? Feed yourself. God's far too busy sending kids to Disneyland.
  
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  mythbuster posted
  
  "I think it is possible that some people forget their own responsibilities and accountability in the world and raise their eyes and hands in asking for help when they may really be able to sufficiently help themselves from the start."
  
  Not at all. Every situation is part of the Divine Plan. God is personally responsible for the good or ill.
  
  mythbuster posted
  "Why does God have to have all these responsibilities and answer everyone's prayers?"
  
  Because he said he would.
  
  Mark 11 (King James Version)
  22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
  
  23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
  
  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
  
  mythbuster posted
  "Why do we allow ourselves to believe that it is God's "job" to love us and respond to use before we even test out what we can be responsible and accountable for?"
  
  See above.
  
  mythbuster posted
  "Unanswered prayers may just be God saying, "Heck, do it yourself!"
  
  You'll get the same results praying to your refrigerator. The only difference is your refrigerator can be demonstrated to exist.
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  Brie Hoffmanposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  God always answers the prayer of his children...sometimes the answer is NO.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  But, when it comes to food for the starving, the answer is always, "NO!" It's only when someone wants to send their kids to Disneyland does your god find the time to answer, "YES!"
  
  Food - NO!
  Disneyland - YES!
  
  God's priorities are rather mixed up here.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Clearly the priority is football games. Both teams cast the magic spell to lure God to their side.
  
  The situation reminds me of an old Don King comic where both fighters in the ring are under contract to him.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, it is rather hilarious when we see both teams on one knee praying to the same god to grant them victory. Perhaps, we can conclude from these actions what team god will send to the Superbowl to win.
  
  LOL1
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  maybe god know's what you need better than you do,after all he has finite knowledge of all things,remember when you pray,father your will be done on earth as in heaven your will not mine,also beware of what you pray for...you just might get it.shalom
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  God lies AGAIN, and it was good.
  
  Mark 11 (King James Version)
  22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
  
  23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
  
  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
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  lone77starposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  "Faith," as in getting a prayer answered, or creating miracles, requires 100% confidence and 100% humility. Humility is the antidote to ego, and ego is so thick on these religious forums you can cut it with a knife. Some of these jokers wouldn't know a miracle if it slapped them upside the head.
  
  "Faith" is a bit like being pregnant. You either have it, or you don't. Like the fictional character, Yoda, said, "Do or do not; there is no try."
  
  The ironic thing about faith is that it goes both ways. The slap-happy skeptics are so confident in physical reality that this is all they see, and they're good at creating it. Those who are blind with belief are those who really have no faith, but only delusion. These are the ones who fear reality, but pray to God to solve all their problems. For them, prayer is a "want," and that's just what they get -- "want" or "lack." They are inadvertently asking for failure.
  
  In a business seminar which includes goal setting, the rules are quite specific. You state your goal in positive, past-tense terms. While it's true, you can't achieve goals by ignoring reality, you can achieve them by believing in the dream. Through hard work, an individual is able to reach that 100% confidence, but some don't need "hard work" to get there. Those who succeed are taking 100% responsibility for their situation.
  
  Prayers can be answered, because we were each created in God's image (Gen.1:26). We each have the ability to create magic or to create more of the status quo. The key is our decision. Some choose wisely, some don't.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  All this has been dealt with ny "Wizard of Oz' we all grew out of the whole 'clicking our little heels scene so that we can all believe the same illusion' together.
  
  For the rest of us the realities of war in the name of your strange belief blew the rest of the cobwebs away. I guess you didn't get to the movies much and were a 'stay at home' kinda guy huh ?
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Wizard of Oz is an esoteric tale of the Journey to enlightenment. The idea is the yellow brick road will only lead you to yourself. The Wizard is YOU.
  
  It is neither athiest or theist in leanings, but the subtle middle. The Phi and the Pi-- where you approach perfection but never truly reach it.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You may choose to 'read' The Wizard of Oz that way and I can agree that you could read that for the Tin man, Lion etc.
  I think your reading stops a little short myself.
  I also think you choose not see the 'other' side of it that is NOT a subtle middle ground.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Mister, I did not read it that way. It really is about that. Read up on it.
  http://snippits-and-slappits.blogspot.c … of-oz.html
  
  and just to show you how common knowledge that is check this out:http://www.muppetcentral.com/news/2005/051905.shtml
  
  Baum was a Theosophist and a Mason.
  
  Disney too.
  
  What other side are you talking about? The side of extreme inflexibility to the right of others to pray and its benefits to the human psyche? I abhor Jesus/ Allah is the only true messenger and this and that religion is the one true one pitches just as you. But that does not mean I think these people do not badly need to cling to that religion because they have no other way to make sense of it. Just like Atheists just gave up on making sense of it. People cope with life differently, and for me as long as they don't kill themselves and others...or hurt other people doing it, that is their business. I see order and empowerment. Life is the miracle and the curse,depending on how you choose to see it.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  There are many ways to read any text, and the common knowledge version must work for every level of understanding, and it is not by defintion 'right'.
  
  The main issue is that I do not disagree particularly with most of what you say - except that it is harmless. As a comforter etc there is clearly no harm and maybe even benefit. This thread is one of a set that are arguing that religion is harmful per se. As I see it the danger from religion comes from its descent from a metaphysical concept explained in metaphor - which is the comfort, love peace and jellybabies side of it. The problem comes when the simple people who need simple stories to explain bigger concepts try to spread their apocalyptic mistake of thinking that their metaphors are real things and real people.
  
  The point is that there is no concrete evidence of any kind of either a god or christ - or that prayers 'work'.
  
  Nobody has come up with any concrete evidence. This should in a real world be enough to convince the 'realist' religious people that their stories are metaphors - this in itself is important in my view. It has been all too easy to fight jesus against Mahommet, not so easy for ideas to fight with no concrete champions.
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  Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Nicely said.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I agree with you that the political side of religion has distorted the ideologies and insights that became popular to begin with because they resonated as true to so many people before.
  
  They essentially injected marijuana on something as basic as brownies and compromised the people's ability to think with clarity.
  
  For fear of losing followers (and therefore tithes and donations) the "one true religion" and the "don't doubt, obey the teachings of the church" have indeed made mindless sheep out of people.
  
  even the thought that we are "the flock" business offends me. we are not flocks that need a shepherd who thinks for us. We are people that have internal guides and we cooperate because we understand why we should. But all of these things are not religion's fault. They are man's.
  
  In the same way that religion has hurt so many, religion also has helped so many. Because it is not religion that's causing all these things that you worry about but the inability of humanity to rise above his survival fears. We need to be more empowered.
  
  Strip humanity of religion and you will have the same problems through different vehicles of evil or good.
  
  My main contention concern with attacking religions and religious people for their beliefs is this:
  It is not religions and the religious that's the problem, and neither is it the belief in G-d. We really need to elevate our understanding of ourselves and our own power in order to make a breakthrough. But most people are too concerned with day to day struggles and fears.
  
  Going back to WIZARD OF OZ... whatever you read into it, is a mirror of your beliefs. Just like the bible. That is why its prone to a lot of confusion. It is vague enough.
  
  But as for the theme of the story, it really is based on theosophy. People who study the esoteric immediately recognize the symbols all the way down to the ruby shoes and poppy fields. The Wizard of Oz speaks of the Path of the Hero, a theme that can be found in most myths and stories. The Wizard of Oz was intended to reminded us that the Journey towards empowerment and enlightenment begins and ends within us, with the Wizard as a metaphor for our relationship with the G-d figure. This message is in the stories of the bible as well. If you bother to read it as literature first, before dogma we will actually benefit from it.
  
  There is nothing wrong with prayer. Praying is a natural instinct, it can be observed in the ritualistic way the ancient homo sapiens bury their dead. It comes with a big brain.
  
  The real problem is something more basic than religion. It is blame and fear. IF we all become accountable, the religions of the world will function in the way it should...that or we don't even need it anymore to regulate us.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The real problem is something more basic than religion. It is blame and fear. IF we all become accountable, the religions of the world will function in the way it should...that or we don't even need it anymore to regulate us.
  
  Like the Looking Glass - this is the whole point - religion feeds on fear, blame and division while it mouths love. Religion is, and has been historically, the main cause of blame and fear.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  blame and fear has many garments. You cannot shoot the bullet that is aimed at you. You shoot the source, the one who made a weapon out of a piece of metal...in the end it always comes from man's survival fears...from man.
  
  Religion's potency (that is the shadow aspect) is from man and man alone.
  
  To quote Kahlil Gibran:
  
  If it is an unjust law you would abolish, the law was written with your own hand upon your own forehead.
  
  You cannot erase it by burning your law books nor by washing the foreheads of your judges, though you pour the sea upon them.
  
  And if it is a despot you would dethrone, see first that his throne erected within you is destroyed. For how can a tyrant rule the free and the proud but for a tyranny in their own freedom and a shame in their own pride?
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Nice - quite unambiguous argument for dumping religion altogether - which is where this argument-a-go-round started really
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  gooberpyleposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  talk about regulation the other nite wez eatin' possum an sweetaterz guzzlin' down beer whoeee the next day ,well i can c i don't havta tell yo the way u shoot yer mouth off all tha time alternater pot,i think u an ol dad better known azz bettlejuice aka beelzdad r kinda sweet heartz huh pot ol'boy haw haw haw.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  alternate poet wrote
  "...Nobody has come up with any concrete evidence. This should in a real world be enough to convince the 'realist' religious people that their stories are metaphors - this in itself is important in my view. It has been all too easy to fight jesus against Mahommet, not so easy for ideas to fight with no concrete champions..."
  
  The driver is the induced terror and the 'pie in the sky' aspect. If not for the 'Eternal Life' rubbish the Abrahamics would have vanished a long time ago.
  
  All this is why they fight so ferociously at anything they think/suspect takes 'Eternal Life' away. That means death is final.
  
  For many it also means there's no reason not to run amok. There-in's the problem. These people aren't used to having to think.
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  gooberpyleposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  well we can't all have diluzionz of grandzer like some people we know ,who think thar a real mental giant,a legond n their own mind. quote a minze a terrible thang 2 waste,by the way try some hogg lard under yer arm pits it'll take the smell away from yer breath.haw haw
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Your gibberish is quite the pile. Bon appetit.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  celeliabeltran posted
  "...I abhor Jesus/ Allah is the only true messenger and this and that religion is the one true one pitches just as you. But that does not mean I think these people do not badly need to cling to that religion because they have no other way to make sense of it. Just like Atheists just gave up on making sense of it..."
  
  Error. Atheists recognize there isn't any sense in it. What's worse is there's no connection with reality and doesn't answer any questions.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Vietnam?
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Faith is like a mustard seed.
  
  a tiny seed from which your reality grows from. So it is not really faith as we see it now (coping mechanism, or dogma)
  
  Faith was infact "AMAN" (which in pictograph means: Spirit/Power consciousness becomes seed)
  It is an awareness of power as the root of the greater manifestation.
  
  It is in plain words empowerment. The consciousness of an empowered mind that trusts that his actions will bear fruit.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  What you're saying is that those who get their prayers answered, like someone who prays to god to send their kid to Disneyland, is full of confidence and humility while the starving are not? And, that's why god sends the kid to Disneyland but denies food for the starving? The starving have too big an ego?
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  lone77star posted
  
  ""Faith," as in getting a prayer answered, or creating miracles, requires 100% confidence and 100% humility."
  
  Not at all.
  
  Mark 11 (King James Version)
  22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
  
  23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
  
  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
  
  lone77star posted
  " Humility is the antidote to ego, and ego is so thick on these religious forums you can cut it with a knife."
  
  Ego and self-centredness is Christian Humility[tm].
  
  lone77star posted
  "Some of these jokers wouldn't know a miracle if it slapped them upside the head."
  
  Miracles are fiction.
  
  lone77star posted
  "Faith" is a bit like being pregnant. You either have it, or you don't. Like the fictional character, Yoda, said, "Do or do not; there is no try."
  
  The ironic thing about faith is that it goes both ways."
  
  Actually, it doesn't. There's the FAITH [booming voice] of the superstitious and that's it.
  
  lone77star posted
  "The slap-happy skeptics are so confident in physical reality that this is all they see, and they're good at creating it."
  
  LOL. Right. A skeptic indicates the objective supporting evidence isn't there to validate what was put forth.
  
  The scientific method is the best way we have to separate fact from bovine excrement. It is that simple.
  
  lone77star posted
  "Those who are blind with belief are those who really have no faith, but only delusion. These are the ones who fear reality, but pray to God to solve all their problems. For them, prayer is a "want," and that's just what they get -- "want" or "lack." They are inadvertently asking for failure."
  
  I'm not sure about inadvertently.
  
  Digging a foxhole when under fire and sliding into it is abject recognition Jesus won't protect you.
  
  lone77star posted
  "In a business seminar which includes goal setting, the rules are quite specific. You state your goal in positive, past-tense terms. While it's true, you can't achieve goals by ignoring reality, you can achieve them by believing in the dream. Through hard work, an individual is able to reach that 100% confidence, but some don't need "hard work" to get there. Those who succeed are taking 100% responsibility for their situation."
  
  Exiting high school many years ago I had two goals. One; I wanted to break into electronics. Two; I wanted to be the first one in my family to get a college degree.
  
  I didn't qualify for electronics in the military entrance tests so I went for electrician. Four years later I got out, worked a full time electrician job custom building equipment and started night classes in college.
  
  A year, or so, later I enlisted in the state Air National Guard as a reservist. About a year and a half later I got an electronics school entry date.
  
  The whole thing was six months long. In the first six weeks they covered the equivalent of 1 year in college.
  
  I got married three months before I started electronics tech school. I left my wife behind and went. It took me seven years of working to get a shot at a goal I had set. Even though I had the aptitude there were no guarantees.
  
  Routinely, my studies took me to ten or eleven o'clock in the evening. Through out my three lowest test scores were 93%. I worked my butt off. I was honor graduate, but not first in my class, through out.
  
  A year later I ended up going full time active duty in an electronics lab for avionics.
  
  Two years later I got that degree from the University of Maryland. Both goals reached after a lot of work.
  
  As I said, there were no guarantees. Succeed or not, there was no question I didn't give it everything I had. One can't do any more.
  
  Stone and bronze age superstition wasn't even in the universe.
  
  lone77star posted
  
  "Prayers can be answered, because we were each created in God's image (Gen.1:26). "
  
  [klaxon sound] Nope. God doesn't exist outside of the minds of believers and the stone and bronze age book of petrified horse crap. As for babble quotes, you might as well quote from a Wonder Woman[tm] comic book.
  
  lone77star posted
  "We each have the ability to create magic or to create more of the status quo. The key is our decision. Some choose wisely, some don't."
  
  It all takes work.
  
  One can easily 'float downstream' and end up with the rest of the drift wood. Or one can 'swim upstream' and see all sorts of new territory.
  
  There's a 'zillion' people competing to be able to ask; "Would you like fries with that." That job doesn't pay particularly well.
  
  There's a lot fewer people who could do the jobs I did, and it paid a heck of a lot more. There was also one heck of a lot of job satisfaction as it required one to use their brain.
  
  If someone's content in the drive up window job-more power to them. That's great!
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  DrMikeFitzpatrickposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  it is also even simpler-ALL prayers are answered-it is recognizing the FORM that it is in that becomes the challenge. universal law tells us it is in the form of tghe "one, or the many". Light, love, are constant and complimentary balanced-"for those that have eyes to see", it is always funny to hear about those who "don't believe it if i cannot see it". our vision is one of the smallest of spectrums of light to which that are many-and larger to unrecognizable to the human eye-take "dark" for instance, does not exist-if you put those green night goggles on there is still light everywhere-lastly, you have NOT seen a microwave, but nonetheless, would not likely stick your head inside an oven and turn it on.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have no idea what you're talking about.
  
  What exactly is your doctorate?
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Clearly, its in bullshitonomy.
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  blbhhdcnposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  God answer prayers in three ways:
  
  Yes
  
  No
  
  Later
  
  In Romans 8:28 - "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them".
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Which is countered via this:
  
  Mark 11 (King James Version)
  22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
  
  23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
  
  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
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  imperial_hanposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Example of great person who live on earth who said about prayer.
  Mother Theresa, She has doubted about the existence of God, and she said this...
  "Where is my faith? Even deep down ... there is nothing but emptiness and darkness ... If there be God—please forgive me. When I try to raise my thoughts to Heaven, there is such convicting emptiness that those very thoughts return like sharp knives and hurt my very soul ... How painful is this unknown pain—I have no Faith. Repulsed, empty, no faith, no love, no zeal, ... What do I labor for? If there be no God, there can be no soul. If there be no soul then, Jesus, You also are not true"
  
  But people, she said something interesting,
  "When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed."
  and how could we claim that we love God, which we cant see, and we fail to love our neighbour which we can see. and many more...
  
  Have faith my friend, have faith....
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  interesting...
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No. The person starved to death because:
  
  1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New King James Version)
  
  18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
  
  By the way, Mother Theresa was a monster, not a great person.
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  gooberpyleposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  soundz to me like some one don't need no more sprinklin' they need a full fleged dunkin' under and a true perfession of faith golly bill matfue.don't u see.
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  kmacoxposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  kmacox
  
  God cannot answer any prayer good or bad, why? because God does not know anything about the many concepts we have accumulated, these prayers with words asking for something to be fixed are pointless do you really think understand english french or any other mind made language.
  Those who ask God for anything than Himself is liing in ignorance of His/Her tru Self which is God. Only the human mind woulf feel disatisfied with this illusion it has created and then beg God to help, no matter how important the request is God cannot hear you, and any way if God is God how dare we tell God what to do
  "God by the way it seems u have not noticed the poor little children in Africa so i am praying that u help them2
  How insane is that.
  The only appropriate prayer is on of Silence, when the mind falls silent and stop believing that it can influence God then God rushes in and fills u with Himself, that includes everything, Love, supply, health, abundance.
  In the Silence God reveals himself to u as you and then you know you already have everything. 2Son all that i have is yours2 do you believe it was meant only for Jesus. To God none of the so called horrible appearances like war famine etc exist, they are part of our universal mind consciousness, not God consciousness. Love Karima
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  kmacox wrote
  "God cannot answer any prayer good or bad, why?"
  
  Because it doesn't exist other than in the fantasies of believers.
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  gooberpyleposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  now stoney burk have u lost yer rabbit az mind,i oughta warsh yer mouth out with lye soap,u bone head,corse theirs a god and he loves u ,cause ifen he didn't h'd a born ya crossed eyed ,oh fiddle dee dee boy shut up.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Oh, poor little tot. I'm sorry learning there's no Sandy Claws has made you upset. Run along now and don't bother the adults.
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  ConsumerAdvisorposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Too many people assume that THEIR prayers cannot be trumped -- not even by God. I remember my grandfather passing away when I was 10 and I asked my father why he died. My father told me "God needed a good carpenter, so he took the best one he could find.".
  
  We like to find solace in faith, beliefs and religion yet we want to reduce it to total logic when it is OUR needs that we want met. Either you BELIEVE and let God be the last word OR you don't believe. Realizing that all prayers are not answered is all part of faith. There is no real grey area.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  ConsumerAdvisor posted
  
  "Too many people assume that THEIR prayers cannot be trumped -- not even by God. I remember my grandfather passing away when I was 10 and I asked my father why he died. My father told me "God needed a good carpenter, so he took the best one he could find.".
  
  We like to find solace in faith, beliefs and religion yet we want to reduce it to total logic when it is OUR needs that we want met. Either you BELIEVE and let God be the last word OR you don't believe. Realizing that all prayers are not answered is all part of faith. There is no real grey area."
  
  I agree there's no gray area about the falseness of the God concept.
  
  Realizing that all prayers are not answered has nothing to do with faith. It has everything to do with the lies of God.
  
  Mark 11 (King James Version)
  22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
  
  23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
  
  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
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  gooberpyleposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  well i'm powerfull sorry bout yer folks young feller,but u shouldn't say mean thangs bout other peoples god thats just pure'd ol' wrong,and im sure they was good god fearin' folk and they just can't b proud of the way u been carrin' on,so thank about cuz.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'm so sorry the words in your own Holey Babble distress you. Kindly remember I didn't write the stone and bronze age effluent.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  God said; "No."
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  Hokeyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Maybe its because you are talking to yourself. Instead of praying to a non existent super hero you should be taking the steps to get done what you need to get done.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Exactly.
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  CarolineVABCposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Many people have asked this question and it's a "valid" point. It is a very hard question to answer, but speaking from my own experience, sometimes, the 'answer' is right there in front of us, but we're ignoring it because it is not the answer that we are looking for or it could be that the answer is "wait." It could be that God is testing your faith. One thing I'm certain of is that "God does care." He may not answer our prayers right away and it seems that He does not care, but He does. Hope this helps:-)
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Oh yes, it helps tremendously. God is allowing tens of thousands of kids to starve to death every day so he can test your faith.
  
  Brilliant!
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  And monstrous. Yet, the sheep keep bleating about how much it loves them.
  
  The people being called flocks and sheep isn't a compliment. Shepherd's fleece their flocks and lead them to slaughter. Sheep are extremely stupid.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  CarolineVABC posted
  
  "Many people have asked this question and it's a "valid" point. It is a very hard question to answer, but speaking from my own experience, sometimes, the 'answer' is right there in front of us, but we're ignoring it because it is not the answer that we are looking for ... "
  
  Like the realization God is stone and bronze age fiction. Lousy fiction at that.
  
  CarolineVABC posted
  "or it could be that the answer is "wait." It could be that God is testing your faith. "
  
  An omniscient entity has no need to test anything.
  
  CarolineVABC posted
  One thing I'm certain of is that "God does care." He may not answer our prayers right away and it seems that He does not care, but He does. Hope this helps:-)"
  
  Yep. God 'cares' yet lets thousands of children die of starvation each year. With 'care' like that who needs neglect with malice aforethought!
  
  And being omnipresent-he gets wood from watching them starve to death. Great God you got there, Caroline.
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  There is no unanswered prayers. All prayers are answered by the Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent God. The problem arises when mankind does not accept that there are two answers to a prayer: Yes or No.
  What may appear to be an unanswered prayer can simply be postponed deliverance of the request or simply NO.
  We must remember if we believe in God, then let us not box Him up and say He must do this or do that, King Nebuchadnezzer learned this lesson the hard way and when he came out of his testing, we are told in Daniel 4:34, 35 his response, "
  But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever;
  For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
  And His kingdom endures from generation to generation.
  " All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
  But He does according to His will in the host of heaven
  And among the inhabitants of earth;
  And no one can ward off His hand
  Or say to Him, What have You done?'
  
  In other words, the problem lies with an inaccurate understanding of God and His character. When mankind knows who God claims to be and understands what they are not, then they are wise in understanding and can also conclude that God can do what He wants, when He wants, to whom He wants, and there is no one that has the right to say to Him, "What have You done?"
  
  Remember, the Biblical God, the Creator of the Universe has the right to do whatever He wants because He is God. As His lowly creation we must accept whatever He declare and understand that He is Holy, Good, and Just and His actions are always done in light of the fact that He is Omniscient.
  
  So don't stress, simply ask God, "Papa is my prayer according to your will" or Father God is my prayer in line with your word? Or perhaps, Lord you know all things, therefore I will leave this matter in your hands and trust you as my God to reply in whatever way you see fit. Amen
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  In other words God only exists in your imagination.
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Actually if God existed only in my imagination then I would mold him to my ideas. He would do exactly what I want, when I want, and how I want. My imaginative creative mind would have him have place sunflowers in every landscape, love and unity in all families, and a perfect 10 in all I do and say.
  Your response is not in line with what I posted.
  My post clearly states God is all knowing, all powerful, ever present and because He is God He can do what He wants without anyone of us dictating to him or questioning him what are you doing?
  He alone is God. Our response to His will is the ultimate decision that will help us understand and accept His will and believe Him at his word when He claims to be holy, perfect and just.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Agreed, and he chooses to answer the prayers of parents who want to send their kids to Disneyland and ignores the prayers of the starving.
  
  If by "holy, perfect and just" you mean he allows tens of thousands of children to suffer an agonizing death every day, then I cannot fathom your perspective of such an evil god.
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That is because you have little or no understanding as to what is good, holy and perfect. In your limited perspective and worldview you can only examine the world and its apparent status with a small resevoir of intelligence.
  You are not Omniscient nor is any man. The world's philosophies and philanthropies can never understand God's ways. Mans philosophies are centered in humanistic endeavors that focus only on ego and its existence.
  These self centered, ego centered, self serving ideals in mankind is what has brought the world into the lowly state of injustice, poverty, murder, and indifference. God has commanded all mankind to "love your neighbor as yourself". Yet man chooses to love self and forget the neighbor. "Who is thy neighbor" Every living human being regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or religion is your neighbor. God's command is clear, it is our job as stewards of this earth to obey His command. When we as God's creation disobey His standard of love we should expect the injustice that is wrought throughout the whole world.
  So now we blame God because of our lack of proper conduct? Absolutely not, this is our own doing. We have chosen to follow after our own lusts and gratifications.
  God is absolutely Holy Perfect and Just. He has given His creation instruction and we as His creation must obey. When we obey instructions, then constructive abilities are capable of being fulfilled. When instructions are ignored, the possibility of construction is most likely not to take affect.
  We are a global community with global responsibilities to adhere to the instruction at hand.
  As volitional, rational beings we are able to choose right from wrong. So I ask you my dear friend, is it right that you have chosen to place the blame elsewhere when obviously the blame lies in the fact that mankind has failed to fulfill the instructions given by a Benevolant, Loving and Gracious God?
  I know, its easier to toss blame elsewhere. In fact, it is real easy to dismiss the idea of there being a God because then we are justified in not fulfilling the instructions of the God we deny.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Resorting to personal insults does nothing to further your argument. Funny though, you keep doing it.
  
  Nothing but pure preachy strawman fallacies that do not address the issue at all and do little more than prop up your belief system. Why can't you just address the contradiction rather than telling us what a loving god you worship?
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have not insulted you, I have spoken in generalities and have referred to the fact that all mankind has thrown the blame on something else instead of standing up and saying I choose to do good toward those in need.
  
  As for addressing the issue at hand which deals with prayer, I have dealt with it through my own perspective. That my perspective is not acceptable to your way of seeing things does not mean I have not addressed your seemingly contradiction with the issue on prayer.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, you did. Let me point it out to for future reference:
  
  That has absolutely nothing to do with the contradiction. Try to pay attention.
  
  Your perspective is to go off on a tangent of how much you love and worship your evil god. Irrelevant to the contradiction. Perhaps, you can try again without all the preachy nonsense.
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Beelzedad, if my words offended you, may I just say it was not my intention. My intention is to engage in an argument in which everyone's point of view is given freely. I realize now that you are incapable of doing so and as such I wish to bid you adieu, ciao, arivaderci, aloha, adios.
  After all I didn't join this discussion to engage with people who are critical of everything being written that is contrary to their views.
  I already said, let us agree to disagree and leave it at that, there is no need for any further conversation.
  As for speaking of God, guess what, that is what this topic deals with, so if you don't wish to read comments about God that oppose your view on God then don't enter into a discussion panel that will end up offending you and your worldview.
  BTW nothing you have written can offend me so you can call "god" evil, a liar, a hypocrit, egotistical, etc that it wont bother me and it wont make me hate you or feel sided by you. Guess what? I love you and whether you receive this or not, guess what my friend? I am praying for you. Have a great day
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Funny how you believe that extolling the virtues of your god has anything to do with the argument at hand.
  
  You don't appear to adding anything to the discussion in regards to the contradiction of answered prayers, which happens to be contrary to reality, let alone someones views.
  
  You are free to ignore the contradiction and continue to worship your evil god, if that's what you have considered as the conversation.
  
  I understand that starving children don't offend believers when their gods ignore them, just as long as their prayers for trips to Disneyland get granted.
  
  Yes, I understand you aren't offended by your god and that you believe your prayers will be answered while tens of thousands of children will die again today as a result of your god spending his time answering your prayers and not the prayers of the starving.
  
  I'm ecstatic that you'll have a great day. They won't.
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Again, you reveal your immaturity to engage in a deep theological discussion. There is no understanding of God, so how can you possibly understand the chaos of the cosmos.
  
  BTW I am not offended by your thoughts on "god" because your "god" is simply an exhaltation of your thought patterns.
  
  Your desire is to have people see that god doesn't exist because prayers aren't answered. I get that and I believe everyone else in this panel gets it too. But your argument reveals no philosophical, theological thought, let alone imaginative and engaging.
  
  Your limited understanding on God is that He should go around fulfilling everyones wants and needs. Isn't that funny, that sounds more like a fairy godmother, or Santa Claus, or perhaps a genie (but with a genie your limited to three wishes). A deity catering to mankind is not a deity, it is a gopher running around doing what everyone dictates. That would truly be a deity that does not hold true to its title.
  
  Hence, your deity can not answer prayers because they are impotent, and incapable of doing anything because you believe deity should be as you would dictate it to be.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Simple, I understand the laws of the universe, which have nothing to do with a book of myths. Can you explain the difference between a "deep theological discussion" and a fantasy?
  
  Yes, it's called logic. Try using it sometimes.
  
  Then you agree that your god does not answer prayers? He doesn't send kids to Disneyland despite the fact Christians claims he does?
  
  Then, you agree with me and your argument is against Christians.
  
  I have no deity. We are talking about your god.
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  A deep theological discussion deals with the study of "Theos" (God)
  In order to have a theological discussion one must be willing to study the topic in its entirety and not just pick and choose as if you are ordering at in and out.
  I stated in another post, and I will state it here again, Faith does not through logic out the door, rather after much contemplation comes to concur that the declaration of God's claims are True based upon His character and manifestation of His character. One's faith is not blind, it is not ignorant, it comes through a process or operation of thought based on a systematic system stemming from logic and rationale.
  Furthermore my friend, the answer is NO. No I do not concur that God does not exist, I do not agree that my arguement is against Christians.
  
  Whether you like to admit it or not, you do have a deity, your deity is your intellect. Which by the way is limited to your worldview.
  
  Last, when I write about God, I am referring to "god" which is a man made understanding of deity.
  
  Here is the last thing I would lie to add to this commentary
  
  From heaven God shows how angry he is with all the wicked and evil things that sinful people do to crush the truth.
  
  They know everything that can be known about God, because God has shown it all to them.
  
  God's eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made. That's why those people don't have any excuse.
  
  They know about God, but they don't honor him or even thank him. Their thoughts are useless, and their stupid minds are in the dark.
  
  They claim to be wise, but they are fools.
  
  They don't worship the glorious and eternal God. Instead, they worship idols that are made to look like humans who cannot live forever, and like birds, animals, and reptiles.
  
  So God let these people go their own way. They did what they wanted to do, and their filthy thoughts made them do shameful things with their bodies.They gave up the truth about God for a lie, and they worshiped God's creation instead of God, who will be praised forever.
  
  Yes my friend, you fall in line with this declaration, you have given up the TRUTH about God for a lie.
  You say you have no god but you do, you simply have chosento worship the creature (You and your thought patterns) instead of the Creator.
  
  (Romans 1:18-25)
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That is all just preachy rhetoric that has nothing to do with issue at hand. Please try to focus on the topic rather than preaching and insulting everyone who doesn't share your beliefs.
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  DITTO
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  No offense, but it is still your imagination, although dictated to you through your indoctrination by charlatans in authority.
  
  If you have seen God, and he conveyed to you all that you have written, here, about him, and you had irrefutable proof of that, then, and only then, would your opinion be regarded as anything other than your imagination through indoctrination.
  
  On this forum, the non-believers have tried in vain to get believers to understand that your beliefs are not logical.
  
  If God is all powerful, then it makes no sense at all that he CAN'T feed the starving children. To assert that he can't stop the evil leaders of these starving children is not becoming of an all powerful deity.
  
  What you are saying is: My God is all powerful, however he chooses to be a complete wimp!
  
  Why should I respect such a nonsensical God as this?
  This concept of God is anti-logic, anti-survival, anti-life.
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Point made my friend - deny the existence of God and the blame for starving children is placed elsewhere. No accountability for not doing your part in this journey of life.
  Lets just put the concept of God's existence aside for a moment.
  If you want to be a reasonal, rational and logical human being, then the only logical thing to do for starving children all over the world is to share your riches with them so that they wont starve. So how much will you be sending this week? How many orphanages will you donate to, visit and give your time? How much will you be willing to give? How much is an acceptable amount?
  Also let us remember the question at hand does not ask if God exists, the question is dealing with one's acceptance of unanswered prayers. Hence, the existence of God is a nonsensical concept to bring up in a conversation when the implication of prayer deals with the acknowledgement of God and His self-sufficiency.
  Now I can agree to disagree with you on God's existence. Because the Truth of the matter is that neither I can prove to you His existence and you can't prove to me His non existence.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  Why do I have to donate my resources to help these starving kids, when God is wasting his time sending well-fed kids to Disneyland?
  
  Why can't you hold God to the same moral standards as you are asking of me?
  
  It seems like when you need God the most, that's when he really deserts you.
  
  Btw, this forum is about unanswered prayers, my comments referring to the non-existence of your God are definitely within the context of the premise, since He is the one, whom you claim the prayers are being sent to. Correct?
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Your user name is getitrite, well lets get it right.
  
  First of all, you really need to stop with the Disneyland approach, honestly it sounds like there is a conspiracy against the place.
  
  Second, God's existence is your agenda, and is not pertinent to this question. As stated, this question already presumes that if you are praying that means you believe in God.
  
  Third, I must remind you that I have not been indoctrinated by anyone. I was not raised a Christian. I have come to faith in Christ Jesus by reading evidence to His existence and through my own personal journey in this life. I am not one of the priveleged ones that got to go through life without a worry in the world. You stated quote "If you have seen God, and he conveyed to you all that you have written, here, about him, and you had irrefutable proof of that, then, and only then, would your opinion be regarded as anything other than your imagination through indoctrination" end quote. In your own words, may I just say, my words and my personal experience in life are not from my imagination. Rather it is a deep stilled conviction that I have seen, I have heard, and I have chosen willingly to accept and believe in God.
  
  Fourth, I am holding you to the standard that all humanistic viewpoints hold the global community to fulfill. Really, you don't understand the concept that you are your brothers keeper? Are you that self absorbed?
  
  Last, as for holding God to His standard of love, believe me I have tested and tried God and have held Him to His word, and at all times He has shown Himself to be Faithful and True. I have never felt abandoned, rejected, deserted by Him. In fact, He is the only One that has not forsaken me, rejected me or abandoned me; but then again that's a whole different story all together. Perhaps if you want to know a little about my journey you can read my writings. Perhaps, you will consider how to speak with kindness to others when they do not share the same viewpoint as your own. As I stated earlier, I will agree to disagree with you and I respect your choice to not believe in God because I respect and honor the fact that God has given every man free will to choose and will not force anyone to believe in Him. Don't you see that is the beauty of it all? You can choose my friend to believe or not believe, you can choose to obey or not obey, you can choose to love the global community and walk in love and light or you can shun the global community. You have been given the priveledge of free will, just remember though, so has every human being on this planet. Therefore, respect, acceptance and tolerance are a must if there is going to be any resolution to questions that bring about the worst in people. May your life be filled with love, joy, peace and assurance. Good night.
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  Woman Of Courageposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Hi lcg4jc, You hit the nail on the head in both posts. AMEN!
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Peals of laughter!
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  lcg4jc posted
  
  "There is no unanswered prayers. All prayers are answered by the Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent God. The problem arises when mankind does not accept that there are two answers to a prayer: Yes or No..."
  
  Terminal rubbish and failed apologetics. One would think people would look for a deity they could be proud of, not one they're constantly making excuses for. God lies, as you can see from his own words, and it is good.
  
  Mark 11 (King James Version)
  22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
  
  23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
  
  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  First of all, may I remind you that throwing up scriptures and placing them out of context is completely unacceptable in the academia world.
  Take note that the scriptures you have quoted deal with a man's heart condition toward whatever adversity may arrive in one's life.
  Furthermore, if by spewing words that are deconstructive you think you will be able to convince me that the God I believe in is evil well my friend you have waisted your time.
  My faith is not on what others say to me, my faith comes from my knowledge of God and His manifestation of His character and person to me.
  I am not offended that you claim that your understanding of "god" makes him out to be a liar, because the god you speak of is not the God of the Bible nor the God I love.
  Honestly, how tiring it must be for you to live with so much resentment toward others for their faith. When you can live so much freer allowing others to believe as they so choose to believe and giving liberty to your self to believe in whatever manner you choose to believe.
  Again, may I just say, I will agree to disagree with you and respectfully decline your interpretation on this issue.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Oh, boy. Hey, sport! It's YOUR 'holy word.' And the stuff isn't out of any context. Don't blame me for what's in the 'good book.' I didn't write the idiocies in it.
  
  Once again, I note a believer bearing false witness-casually and unrepentantly.
  
  Yes, your resentment of those who stand on their own two feet is very noticeable.
  
  How about being daring and actually addressing the points raised instead of the tiresome toddler tactics you're currently utilizing?
  
  Wishful thinking on my part, that you and several other xians here, would actually address points raised rather than lying, generating a level 5 hand waving tempest, and other unsavory tactics.
  
  I'm well aware there are xians who are honest, courageous, and forth right. Sadly, you're not one of them.
  
  You do your 'father,' Satan proud.
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  butterfly_suposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  God answers prayers, not always with a yes.But the only prayer he hears from a sinner is a prayer of repentance.
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  DrMikeFitzpatrickposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  no such thing as "unanswered prayer" is the answer to the question. step back howeveer, and look at it-your prayers are all answered, they are simply in a form YOU do NOT recognize. both easy and simple to explain too.
  
  we host a free nightly conference call to help people. let me know if you care to join in. Dr. Mike
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  china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  By 'helping' people I guess means making money in some way - I notice your other posts generally include directing people to your business also.
  
  So simple and easy to explain how prayers are REALLY answered - your victims are just too stupid to realise that when nothing happens it means that nothing has happened ?
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Explain it then, if it is so easy and simple.
  
  What is your doctorate? Or, is that just a self-titled moniker for ratings?
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Mighty Momposted 14 years ago
I bet you're going to get a cross-section of answers on this question, Baileybear.
My experience has been thus: I spent a lot of years doing 9-1-1 praying. God was there for emergencies. Really, a very self-centered way of praying. Example, "God, if you get me out of this______ I promise I will never ______ again."

I have since learned a different way to pray with a very different focus. Instead of asking God to do me favors or to carry out MY will, I now ask for guidance and acceptance.
Prayer now is "Thy will, not mine, be done."
So if someone is sick, I don't try to tell God that he should heal the person. God already has a plan for that person.
It may or may not involve healing the person.
Thus my prayer is for God to help me accept His will -- whatever it may be.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  does that mean really, there is no point in praying?
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  KristenGraceposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I truly am not the type of person to "preach" or push my thoughts on someone else, but since you asked...
  It doesn't mean there's no point.
  It just means, sometimes, (as hard as it is, and I KNOW how hard it is...), you just have to have faith that God DID answer your prayer.
  He just knew what was best
  OR
  Perhaps sometimes bad things just happen.
  And maybe it takes accepting that God is not all powerful. Instead, He is all forgiving, loving and accepting of each one of us.
  
  I'm still not sure I know which way I feel myself. Just some thoughts. Good luck in finding your own answers.
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  mythbusterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You're basically saying, "Sometimes, God simply says... "NO." or something to this effect?"
  
  If this is so, I think it makes sense.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It also makes sense, and works exactly the same way, if there is no answer at all - coincidence maybe ?
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Some times the answer is no, that's isn't what's best in the long run. Some times the answer is, not now but later.
  
  Some times I think of my relationship with God (my Father) the same as with my children. Some times when they asked for something I said no. Some times I said not now. Some times I gave them what they asked for. It was my job to do what I felt was in their best interest. Of course they didn't always understand my intentions, as we don't always understand.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  If your children were starving to death, would you give them food if they asked for it?
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  When my children were small, I and their Dad provided all their needs. Now that they are grown, I will some times help them, but I expect them to help themselves.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Exactly, but your god does not do that for his children and they die of starvation. Notice the huge difference between humans and your god?
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  Disturbiaposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I've seen the "poor starving children" argument used many times in the forums to make a case against God. I think it's not up to God to feed those poor starving children, it is up to us to feed them. If there is a God, he has given us the earth and the means to feed and provide for ourselves. God did not create social evils, mankind did.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Nope. God created the social evils as well as every evil that exists. Such comes from being the 'manufacturer.'
  
  Then there's this;
  
  Mark 11 (King James Version)
  22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
  
  23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
  
  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  ... sleeping
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, God sends humans to help one another. Some humans are evil.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Your god is evil for killing children when he says NO! to their prayers for food. This has nothing to do with humans.
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It has everything to do with humans. God isn't killing them, people are.
  The militants who are stealing supplies meant for the needy.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It is shameful to see that you have to fabricate stories in order to support your gods. Very sad, indeed.
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Just watch, and read the news. It is all there.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Whoopsies. God is killing them.
  
  1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New King James Version)
  
  18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  piggybacking
  
  SJW wrote;
  "Just watch, and read the news. It is all there."
  
  Yes. All the evil your God does which you call good. It would be poetic justice for such starvation to fall upon you and yours, but I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I'm sure your words would change if that was the case.
  
  1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New King James Version)
  
  18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  Please tell me, what on earth could be God's intentions for justifying not feeding the poor starving children?
  
  I just can't accept the fact that "we don't always understand."
  And why are we to blindly believe that God's intentions are always good?
  Because I can't see a benevolent deity behaving in such a callous way.
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  He hasn't told me what his intentions are. I can only take a guess. I don't understand everything.
  Maybe, if they survive they would have an even more dreadful life at the hands of their enemies.
  Maybe, the adults have been offered a means of helping themselves, but won't do it. Ya know, give them a fish or a fishing pole? Move?
  Maybe, peoples hearts are to be moved with compassion and they become good Samaritans and love one another.
  
  Personally, if I lived there, I would pick up my children and move some where that I could take care of them.
  
  I don't know. I don't understand everything. Maybe some day we will.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You are quite wrong - you don't understand anything much really.
  
  You think in the Sudan someone is going to take the decision to move to a condo by the sea, throw their staving kids in the back of their 4 X 4 and 'just get the hell outa here'. How hard can it be to understand having nothing and no way out?
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You are exactly correct..
  That situation has ben coming to that point in lie for quite some time.
  
  BUT it has been politics and greed that have put them in that situation.
  
  It doesn't matter how bad ... or Good ... the life situation is here on earth ... there will always be an ugliest factor. There will always be a weakest link.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That is a Christian cop-out that basically says there is nothing we (as society) can do about it because it is gods will. This unbelievably selfish position allows us to wallow in our fat and sugar while kids starve. When we, as a society, stop sitting on our fat asses mouthing empty prayers and god babble - and actually DO something - then things can change. The weakest link is religion and the sooner it is discarded the better.
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  "Religion" isn't stopping you from sending food. There are many, some religious, organizations that send food and medical supplies over there.
  "Man" is keeping the supplies from reaching the needy. Not "religion".
  Sitting back and expecting God, to take care of everything is what's selfish.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes - you are right. Man is keeping these 'poor' countries down - christian man with overwhelmingly christian governments kept in power by christian votes. Sending a food parcel gives people a nice self satisfied glow - but is ultimately useless for the recipient.
  
  'They' don't need parcels they need free trade and infrastructure support, and christian govenments to stop supporting vicious dictators and their daily genocide.
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Are you speaking of Christian governments around the world? OR Are you talking about the United States government?
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  round the world, but the US is responsible for being in the lead on this one.
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You do have a good point. The United States government is leding other governments in a direction that cause hungry children to die.
  
  At least we are getting "closer" to where the blame truly belongs.
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  ryancarterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  HA! You think the US is a Christian government?! Sucker...
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Maybe this is where you are shortsighted - christian covers a whole lot more people than the little group in your chapel. Christian values, good and bad, permeate every part of US life and your government is christian through and through, your military is christian through and through, your hard right are christian through and through, your redneck white supremacists are christian through and through, your KKK are . . . . . I can go on and list every right wing organisation
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  ryancarterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Really?? Here I thought being a Christian meant believing in Christ... CHRISTian... maybe you're farsighted. Shortsighted, farsighted, you still need glasses...
  
  Maybe we're arguing two different topics, if that's your definition of a Christian. The KKK, with the same values as my chapel?? Sorry, my pointy wooden structure with a cross on it must have lost its mind...
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I wouldn't argue that the folks in your pointy little wooden structure have lost their minds.
  
  Maybe you missed the round of old KKK 'hunting' photos of slaves hanging from the trees, they were pretty much all of them hanging outside little pointy wooden structures, just like yours.
  
  Maybe you should go back and do a little more history in a school that does not teach flat earth theory as the answer to everything. KKK terrorism often includes the burning cross outside of the victims house and a guy in a cute pointy white hat shouting verses from the bible.
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  ryancarterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Sorry for the delay, I was ironing my hood for our march later... All this KKK talk has me confused. Are we bashing Christians or people brandishing the Bible as a weapon, because there is a HUGE difference. The "history" you seem to live by is pretty much what I would expect from any undergrad philosophy class debate. Try not to bend it too much, you might break it...
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Ahhhhhhhh ! your kind of christian is the right kind and those others are all just pretending to be christians - righto -
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  But but but its good for the holy profit margin.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, keeping making excuses to support your beliefs while millions die. Or, you could you just face up to the fact that your god doesn't answer prayers. Take off the blinders.
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, you really should take off your blinders. Being so short sighted you aren't seeing the big picture. Tunnel vision is keeping you from seeing how evil man is. Man is keeping supplies from the needy. Man is destroying our planet.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  [/b]
  
  You are exactly right, man is destroying the planet, so where is your all powerful God?
  
  You are creating a strawman. We know it is man destroying the planet. Again, we know this!
  
  But you are claiming that there is an all powerful being who intervenes in your life when you ask Him through praying, but this same being seems to be downright wimpy when it comes to intervening in the lives of these poor dying children.
  
  Just lose the deity, and your statement makes sense.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The "big picture" would the one where god answers your prayers and says a bit NO! to the starving.
  
  Your god kills tens of thousands every day by not feeding them and feeding you instead. This has nothing to do with men.
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Don't you think we would all love to see God intervene? We don't know why he doesn't. We can only take a guess. Every one has a free will. Some people's will is to do harm to others. Should he take away all free will?
  
  My husband past at age 48. Why? I can only believe God knows best. I couldn't see what was down the road for him. God can.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  Tell me why you believe that God knows best? Thinking objectively for a minute, what if He doesn't know what's best, or what if He just doesn't give a damn about us humans, no matter how much we slavishly worship Him?
  
  Please base your claim on something other than hearsay.
  Thank you
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You know our belief is built on faith. I wrote 2 hubs about my experiences with God of which I know non believers wouldn't believe.
  I am sure you know of people who have past and you felt like it was best for them because their suffering had ended.
  The starving? Yes it is very sad. What is going on in those countries? Do you believe these people have a wonderful future ahead of them? They stay at war. The evil militants, greedy, selfish men, steal the supplies meant for them. They don't care about their own people!
  Objectively speaking. The experiences I have had tells me we have a loving God. Unfortunately, people have free will.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Do you any evidence of this or are you just making it up to support your beliefs?
  
  If your god answers your prayers, why doesn't he answer theirs? Can you honestly answer this question without fabricating stories?
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The Food Weapon.
  The Sudanese government has used starvation as a weapon of war against its own people to break their will to resist. It has attacked agricultural areas, destroyed food supplies, confiscated livestock herds, and blocked international food relief efforts in opposition- controlled territory. After the deaths of an estimated 250,000 people from starvation in southern Sudan, Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS), a U.N.-coordinated relief effort, was established in 1989. The Sudanese government routinely has denied OLS access to rebel-held areas in southern Sudan and the Nuba Mountains in central Sudan, according to U.N. officials. Moreover, the Sudanese air force has bombed food relief distribution centers, as well as aircraft that have transported food supplies to remote areas.
  
  When the government has allowed OLS to operate, it often has sought to manipulate food distribution for its own purposes. Some U.N.- provided food aid reportedly is distributed "on the condition that the hungry person convert to Islam."9 Government troops have looted food supplies earmarked for southern Sudan. The government also has forced the inhabitants of entire villages to move into concentration camps called "peace camps," where food is provided in exchange for continued submission to state authority.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That's one country, what about all the rest? There are dozens of countries that don't have these problems but their children starve to death, what about them?
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You should leave this horse alone. It's dead already.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Free Will doesn't exist. It doesn't exist in objective reality and it doesn't exist with your god.
  
  You can't have things both ways.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That would require courage and work from believers. Very few are up for that.
  
  All their furious hand waving doesn't show them in a very humane light. Thing is they've blinded themselves to this in their single minded selfish goal of reaching Heaven. There isn't anyone, or anything, they wouldn't sacrifice to get the 'gold ring.' :\
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, but notice it doesn't happen to you and the other good Christians here. Your prayers are answered, aren't they, Jerami?
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  By God's design with malice aforethought. That's what believers constantly refuse to address.
  
  It wouldn't even take wiggling his nose, ala Samantha Stevens, to remedy any problem.
  
  Heck, it would have been just as easy to have no problems when it blew the universe into being with a huge fart.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  so what are you doing personaly to help solve the problem they need help not lip service.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I am more than certain that I am doing more for them than you could ever dream of - and it is also none of your business or concern what I am or am not doing.
  
  if you are going to post so many of your attempts at answers to the points made in this thread you might like to go and get help because you clearly have no understanding of anything much really. I have rarely met anyone in the forums quite so mindless.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Then perhaps, you should pray to your god to stop giving lip service and provide some food.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You can make up all the excuses you want to support your beliefs, but all they do is insult the dead and the dying.
  
  Yes, provide ridiculous options, just so that you never have to admit to yourself your god doesn't answer prayers. Put the blinders on securely so they don't fall off.
  
  It's quite simple to understand, but you refuse to accept the obvious answer.
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  luvpassionposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Obvious answer is that starvation is caused by unemployment, overpopulation and the depletion of the natural resources of mother earth by man...you don't agree, fine.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Then, just pray to your god to feed them. He answers your prayers, yes? He should easily answer that prayer.
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  luvpassionposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I don't do much praying thank you. Why would I pray to Gaia to feed someone. You're the one so focused on feeding the starving...you pray. I don't even think you're concerned with the problem...just using it as a blunt instrument to make others feel guilty. Why don't you use the science you worship so much to find the answer?
  
  Unbelievers are so full of questions...why , why , why! full of it and other stuff.
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  yah i agree with what you said, except for the praying and gaia. The rest was good.
  
  he doesnt really believe in science either but he does like video games while those babies are a dyin.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  False witness noted. How Christian of you.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Folks like you are so full of it your eyes are brown. Too bad you're lacking courage and integrity. Braise Gawd!
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Nope. Don't worry, scripture provides the answer.
  
  1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New King James Version)
  
  18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, you refuse to accept the obvious answer. Man is doing the evil.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You refuse to accept the obvious answer, god does not answer anyone's prayers.
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  In your opinion.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Sorry if the facts of reality do not fit with your beliefs.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Reality is absent from the theist universe, as is courage, and honesty, I'm sorry to say.
  
  It's all just more and more blaming the victim. :\
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Because otherwise the believer won't ever get to never never land.
  
  Tens of thousands of children starving to death is a small price to pay for a believer to get Eternal Life in Heaven.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  There's a problem. Scripture says differently.
  
  Mark 11 (King James Version)
  22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
  
  23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
  
  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
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  YU_First 1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  There is a point in praying only that we have to do more than just pray.
  
  We have to trust that he will answer those prayers, we have to act towards getting the prayers answered.
  
  There's no point for instance asking for a job while sitting at home without going at least a step to throw resumes out there where a job for you may be.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That's not what the bible says!
  
  First, for any situation;
  1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New King James Version)
  
  18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
  
  Now concerning prayer;
  Mark 11 (King James Version)
  22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
  
  23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
  
  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
  
  Note; the verses are unrestricted. Any theist trying to put restrictions here will just be admitting their bearing false witness which is a violation of one of the Ten 'suggestions.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  right on sister that's exactly the right way to do it amen god continue to bless you and yours.shalom.
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  lcg4jcposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Amen
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  butterfly_suposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Good answer!
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getitriteposted 14 years ago
Because God works in mysterious ways.
Or maybe God is just imaginary.
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  YU_First 1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  We have to meet God half way.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  LOL. Pathetic dodge.
  
  Omnipresent, remember?
  
  Omniscient, remember?
  
  Omnipowerful, remember?
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Mighty Momposted 14 years ago
No, no! There's definitely a point in praying.
But it's praying for understanding of God's will rather than directing God what do do, if that makes sense.
Maybe a better way to phrase this is putting the problem into God's hands for Him to do as He sees fit, which may or may not be what we would want as the outcome. But having faith that He's got it handled and praying to be ok with the outcome.

But just because this is how I pray one-on-one to God doesn't mean I don't also engage in "traditional" group prayer or light candles in church! I do that too!
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Jeramiposted 14 years ago
Yes we are instructed to end our prayers with "Thy will be done"

Can we live an unhealthy life style and "EXPECT" to pray for good health and miraculously be healed when we get sick.
It is written that the sins of the parents are passed down several generations. I believe this is definitely true when it comes to living unhealthy life styles.
This is seen readily seen when a woman consumes certain things while pregnant.
Most of Gods laws pertain to taking care of our bodies,
Can we break these laws and expect to pray and make it all better?

Do you make rules for your children to keep and tell them that there are no consequences when they break them.

Jesus told his disciples that when any "two of you" gather together and pray to the father and ask "anything" and it "WILL" be given to you.

I think that he was promising this to his twelve disciples.
Though we can all pray and God can answer that prayer if he chooses ... the above "Promise" was given to the disciples only.

Does God answer our prayers ? I would say that it is much more likely that he does when we are living our lives in his will, in all areas of our life.

I knew someone that prayed for their brothers cancer to be healed... that night they had a vivid dream. They were ask WHY should I heal them ?
He will continue their heavy drinking and get cirrhosis of the liver. Now is as good of a time to take him as any.
I didn't explain this as eloquent as it was told to me. But the jest of the story is the same.

Yes God answers prayers at his discretion.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  And yet, you can't answer the question as to why thousands who pray for food die every day.
  
  Did he find your car keys again?
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
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Cagsilposted 14 years ago
How do you explain unanswered prayer? I don't.

However, I have a better question for you....

Why would any sort of god want to help a person who isn't willing to help themselves to begin with?

People depend on a god to give them their purpose in life, instead of choosing a purpose which is less selfish.

Any god that helps selfish people to continue to be selfish sounds like a god that lacks wisdom.
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  So much truth in what you said. God does expect us to do something to help ourselves.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  could all "answered prayer" actually be explained as luck or taking responsibility or something other than God?
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  yah there was like, one line of truth
  
  How do you explain unanswered prayer? I don't. hmm
  (this wasn't it)
  However, I have a better question for you....
  (this wasn't it)
  
  Why would any sort of god want to help a person who isn't willing to help themselves to begin with?
  (this wasn't it)
  People depend on a god to give them their purpose in life, instead of choosing a purpose which is less selfish. hmm
  (this wasn't it)
  Any god that helps selfish people to continue to be selfish sounds like a god that lacks wisdom. hmm
  (this wasn't it)
  
  sorry i guess there was not a single bit of truth in that post.
  God helps all people.
  Babies go to heaven, its an innocence thing, sinless life and all that jazz. but YOU
  
  CANNOT BELIEVE BABIES GO TO HEAVEN BECAUSE YOU CANT BELIEVE IN GOD AND YET YOU BLAME GOD FOR KILLING BABIES!!
  why don't you stick to your own doctrine and since god isn't in your equation come up with an answer to that question by yourself. Mankind is starving babies.. ahhhh that sounds better, god is just taking them home.. perfect.
  Otherwise those babies might grow up a big sinner like you and end up in hell
  OH the perfect and wonderful mercy of God (to all those who deserve it)
  
  give us your happy face as you leave the room
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  Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  A completely useless response. Nothing new.
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  ryancarterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Ba-zing...
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Perfect and wonderful mercy-to those that deserve it? ROFLMAO
  
  I'm glad you realize you don't deserve it.
  
  [sizzle sizzle-for eternity]
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  butterfly_suposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  you're obviously atheist! God have mercy on you!
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Jeramiposted 14 years ago
And yet, you can't answer the question as to why thousands who pray for food die every day. And yet, you can't answer the question as to why thousands who pray for food die every day

Did he find your car keys again?
- - - - - - - - -

First of all I can't even guess why you do the things that you do, much less God.

NO he doesn't do car keys
======================================================
getitrite wrute ... I guess those poor starving children are not living their lives in Gods will, in all areas of their lives.
- - - - - - - - - - -

Your question has been answered many times. You just ignore them. I am sure

Wouldn't you think that their parents should move to someplace where they can provide for their children?
If they know that they can not feed their children they should quit having them?
====================================================
Cagsil answered your question right here ; and I can agree with him whether he likes it or not!

Cagsil wrote ....Why would any sort of god want to help a person who isn't willing to help themselves to begin with?
================================================
The Darkened One wrote ...
For the sake of the argument if we assume prayer gets answered then we have to admit God itself is biased because he is intervening the natural order,
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This is a pretty good answer; He can answer some prayers that do not disturb the natural order. He must be careful or he would be messing up more than he is fixing.
---

It is very arrogant to think that a mere Human can figure out the mind of God. Because you can not figure it all out,,you think that this proves the Non existence of God.

That my friend is flawed reasoning.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  He doesn't do food either. But, he does something, right? What could possibly keep your god so busy he hasn't the time to feed the starving, Jerami?
  
  Yes, stop having those pesky kids so your god has more time to find your car keys and a parking spot.
  
  And yet, that is exactly what you've been doing in a vain attempt to support your belief in answered prayers.
  
  Then, you're reasoning about answered prayers is obviously flawed, by your own logic.
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  no prayers go unheard when god helps christians find their car keys.
  go play another round of video game st. beezlebub
  
  Matthew 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
  
  Jesus knew 2007 years ago you were gonna use the poor starving children as a weapon against christianity. And again he was right! God is always right.. now start writing a cheque, i know the church i support does!
  hypocrite!
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, I see that hypocrisy.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Matthew 26 shows Jesus suffers from the Sin of Pride.
  
  The hypocrites are Christians like yourself.
  
  The poor starving children are part of the Divine Plan. Wow, what a nice God you've got!
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  Jerami, you use this innocent sounding statement constantly.
  But, you and I both know that this is a vicious way to ask nonbelievers to accept a lie as the answer to our inquiries.
  
  How do you like it when you ask a question and all you get is lies?
  
  If you were in a court, on the witness stand, your testimony would be dismissed, because your testimony is contradictory and thus lacks veracity.
  
  Who knows, you might even be charged with perjury.
  Stop trying to play the innocent game, and just be honest.
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rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago
I don't understand how any human could expect life to go as we wish every single time we want something. regardless of what anyone believes, that's fairytale thinking. life is what it is. we alone are responsible for our thinking and our actions, that's enough for me!
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have to agree with you,,,
  "GOD" is just a tittle that we have assigned to whatever Higher Power that is.
  We find this Higher Power within our own mind.
  This is how it communicates with us,
  Kinda like a telephone. We have to answer it in order to hear the voice on the other end of the line.
  
  If science would spent the time, effort and money, exploring the universe that lies within as it does the universe outwardly we might find out what the 80% of our mind that we are not using was intended for.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  And how would you be able to tell what was fact from fiction from 'exploring within?'
  
  It's very clear you have no understanding of science or the scientific method.
  
  And, yet, you're able to vote for people wanting public office who are just as ignorant as you.
  
  Then people in the US can't figure out why the rest of the educated world shrinks back in horror at Americans.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Agreed, but children need their imaginary friends.
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rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago
actually science has made amazing discoveries with the way the mind and internal body works. even that we do indeed use more of our brain than was previously thought. the information is out there in journals, reports.. it's more the way we use it and how and what we feed it. the brain is a living complex organ and has remarkable abilities if fed and nourished properly. we simply take our bodies for granted. our power lies within us. meditation is important in that regard, quieting ourselves enough to listen and recharge.
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  True ...
  I have wondered from my youth, how much that had to do with Daniel refusing to eat the Kings diet, and requested other foods.
  Did that increased the level of communication with his inner mind thus keeping the pathway to God open.
  
  Or somethig like that ??
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CYBERSUPEposted 14 years ago
Mighty Mom has all the right answers to this question and I agree with her 100 percent. God does answer all questions, perhaps not as you whould like or wish.
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  YU_First 1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I agree with you CyberSupe God does answer all prayers not necessarily the way we would have liked him to.
  
  Besides it is also God's way of using us; his not answering the way we want.
  
  He is using us to have others learn from our conditions or better still he is testing our strength in believing in his absoluteness.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Oh yes, god lets tens of thousands starve to death every day so he can test your belief in him.
  
  Such compassion.
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  wrong again. Why are you so wrong.. i think you need to change that icon
  
  I see why you are wrong. 7 months, 1 hub and its on a video game
  oh christian guru teach us thy ways
  
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You are a fool and quite dishonest. How sad. Many Xians have indicated stuff like this is his way of 'testing,' even though an omni character has no need to test.
  
  You also flat ignore written scripture from your own 'Holy Tome' which you count on and quote at various times.
  
  Jesus is going to tell you he doesn't know you. Scripture tells you why.
  
  None of us who aren't theists didn't write the Bible. And yet you blame us for what's in it and, worse, quoting it. We quote it and you folks ignore it.
  
  People like you are to be greatly pitied. I do pity you, and several others on this forum.
  
  How sad to be so fearful.
  
  There are several Xians in these forums I respect. You're not one of them.
  
  I had hoped in my travels here to find/learn something new. Christians here, with few exceptions, play the same transparent mental toddler games ala Santa Claus.
  
  I had hoped someone would have the courage to acknowledge the conflicts in the various verses, the stated attributes of God, as well as the ramifications and repercussions generated by 'manufacturer' status.
  
  I think its pretty sad when its the non-believers who are the ones upholding so-called Xian principles. Sad, but all too common. Christians get out-christianed by the nonchristians. Amusing.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well said.
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  stoneyyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  He's absolute fiction.
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kessposted 14 years ago
Any prayer which is not answered in the specific way it was intended is not a prayer based on faith.

If any does not understand how faith works, they can never pray the right kind of prayers, and they would be better of not praying at all until they understand faith.

God never chooses which prayer to answer based on His foreknowledged or will.

God simply answers all prayers that is based on faith. And it is impossible for the faithful to pray outside the will of God.

If any of your prayers are not answered stop making other excuses, it means simply faith is not present in that prayer.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Those thousands that die daily from starvation obviously have no faith. Are they being punished by your god for praying for food?
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  food does not come by prayer.. do you think it will come up through the concrete? lol, Will god just burst a garden up in ethiopia? Is this what you want? God feed the children is the prayer, not just make manna fall from the sky.
  You want a god to slap your hands every time you sin or just give you a better life than you have now? What will you do for that better life? Oh you want nothing for yourself just make the rest of the world better. ahhh. and tell me how will God do that?
  Then tell me that after life is good around the planet, the streams are clean and the air pure and people are happy happy happy, then tell me you will be okay to die and not receive eternal life, or will you want that as well.
  Your beliefs are selfish and you are secretly happy there are starving people in the world otherwise you might have to believe in God.
  give us all a break
  close the door behind you on your way out
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  imperial_hanposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Thousand people die from starvation is not becos they do not have faith nor God doest not exist....BUT BECOS OF US FOR DOING NOTHING TOWARD THEM...we have so much extra that we waste it away or spend it into other stuff..Its us the one who cause them starve to death for not helping them...
  
  The reason we have so many is to help each other out of trouble without concern skins, religion, ideology and so on...
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Not according to believers who believe their god provides for them, so he should provide for others as well, but he doesn't. That's the point.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  the good Shepard knows the sound of HIS sheep,does another Shepard tend a flock that is not his own,who has hatched this lie that every sheep belongs to the same master,for in as much as ye spurn the word ,which was and is forever and ever you shall have no part in heaven lest ye repent and except emmanuel(Jesus) as lord and savior,for he is the good Shepard.amen shammah shalom
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Shameful. More threats.
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pylos26posted 14 years ago
can you tell me why there is no difference between faith and presumption?
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  kessposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Faith only is based upon truth and cannot be compared nor debated.
  
  No one can teach you faith, for faith cannot be taught, one may only show you a way his way, but you will never understand unless you know faith yourself.
  
  Those with faith knows faith because their own faith teaches them.
  
  Presumtion is unlike faith, for faith is the knowledge of truth.
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getitriteposted 14 years ago
Whenever my beliefs became nonsensical, that is when I abandomed those beliefs. God has to make sense in order for me to worship Him.

If I persist in worshipping Him, it would be like the SEEING following the BLIND.
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earnestshubposted 14 years ago
There are many charitable organisations that contribute to the welfare of children in particular and the desperate plight of people in general.
Some are religious, some are not.
This is not the point.
The point is that religionists have this megalomanic view that their "god" cares about them more than he does the poor and really needy.
Why don't religionists just be honest and admit that their god is not helping mankind, (self evident) and if it was, why in hell would it be finding car keys for some useless moron while leaving the world's beautiful children to die in some hell hole?
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  God or no God; I ya believe in any kind of lie after death.. Then death is not such a bad thing.
  
  It is the pain that we endure crossing over that is scary.
  
  And everyone gotta do it at some time in life.
  
  It is the greedy leaders of those countries and greedy politicians allowing these children to starve.
  
  Yes society can do something about it. But WE don't.
  
  Even if we were to feed these hungry children, death from some source is required. For every 1010 people that are born; Nature seems to require 1000 deaths.
  That seems to be the first law of nature. Can't change it.
  
  I'm sorry that people gotta die!! But the only alternative is that BIRTH has gotta end.
  
  Cut it like ya want to... the measure comes out the same.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The whole belief in an afterlife is a crock to get people to put up with their miserable lot because it will all be ok when you die. It is a lie fed to people by their leaders who amass huge fortunes by keeping others in poverty. The 'eye of the needle' rich man does not want to enter heaven - he is already in it !
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well .. When I first believed in an after life it was a long time afterwards till I heard about it from an outside source.
  
  I guess that makes me a philosopher at age 5 or 6.
  
  I sat around contemplating all sorts of things long before anyone else brought up the questions.
  
  I took a few detours ... but in my old age I am right back where I started. Only now I have found out that I am not the only one. And there are as many that disagrees.
  
  My self ... I'll go with what I think.
  And everyone else can do the same.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It doesn't make you a philospher at 6 - it just demonstrates that the 'wish' to live forever is a childish fantasy that you should really have grown out of by now.
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  When ya believe something you may walk way from it at a later date.
  
  When you "know"!! It is a part of who you are and it goes wherever you go.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  When what you 'believe' becomes what you know you are a grandad.
  
  It does not make it any more or less true, its just that belief hardens like arteries and becomes dogma.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  DOGMA(AMGOD)do you knot know that you may be in danger of the judgment.(old son )
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  YU_First 1posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I do not even think I want to live for eternity.
  
  Living as it is, wears one down and we keep moving from one engagement to another.
  
  Imagine having to keep thinking about what one's next big thing or big project should be for eternity!
  
  It is stressing enough having to thing about what will be a good dinner because veggies were had for lunch or something like that :-
  
  Pretty much like the Phoenix in the Indian folk lore where after having been rewarded "eternity" by God for having been strong willed not to give in to Eve's persuasions to also test the forbidden fruit the way all the other animals had given in.
  
  We see that the phoenix eventually becomes burdened by its many years and longs to die burning itself out of its own free will.
  
  It is later reborn, new and ready to face the world again.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  but you will live for eternity one place or another,the alternative to glory is quite gloomy.shelah.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  the sheep knows their masters voice and he likewise knows them if one strays off and becomes lost the master will leave the flock in search of the one and bring it once again to home,its good to know you have one so loving and dedicated to his flock,to spend eternity in his grace.amen
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  Sheeple~
  is often used to denote persons who submit to authority, and thus undermine their own human individuality.
  
  The implication of sheeple is that as a collective, people believe whatever they are told, especially if told so by authority figures, without processing it to be sure that it is an accurate representation of the real world around them.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes Jerami, you just continue to go on believing god will answer your prayers. Those who pray for food will starve to death.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  the(Eye of the Needle) is the small personal entry door beside the main entry gate of the old city of Jerusalem not a sowing needle in the pariable a rich man could get in by unburdening his camels and couch them through the eye of the needle(heaven)let him with wisdom hear.shalom
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I am stunned by your cruel and hateful words, Jerami. Say that to the faces of the starving in person.
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earnestshubposted 14 years ago
Totally void of compassion or understanding.

Your god is either active or not.

If he is active in a world of the starving then he is a murdering piece of filth and totally psychotic.

Fortunately the fact of his non existence and mythological composition is a better explanation than he can't change anything, or it was pre-ordained by some myth.

Why does god change from helping some bloody dopey religious fanatic while he allows the death of an innocent child.

How can you even imply that without feeling?

The population myth is another strawman.

Population is due to level out at a sustainable level. The figures are in.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  While still holding on to absurd beliefs, some people try to rationalize that they can still be decent.
  Not seeing the extreme prejudices in holding such beliefs, they blindly defend an ultra-selfish motive.
  
  To think that God would favor me over those poor starving children would require a degree of narcissism that I'm not willing to assume.
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  earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I agree. My life no matter how good it is, is worth no more than anyone else's.
  
  To think otherwise is megalomanic.
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Getitrite
  That makes you sound so hollier than thou. God doesn't favor you at all. Does that seem better?
  You are narcissistic
  If you put others down you must feel superior to them.
  
  to earnest.. try saying that when a gunman has a gun on you and some other guy you don't know and the grounds for survival are, pick one to live and one to die.
  
  You are patheists. Everything you say is inference, conjecture, speculation, lies, atrocities, crap. You do not see the mote in your own eye and yet you yell against a better good than yourselves because the good you yell at is not good enough.
  hypocrites.
  It would be better if you had a book to quote than hear your rubbish.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  mankind has brought these plagues upon its self yet blame a loving father for their transgressions the law was given first to the Jew then to the gentile that you may have life and more in abundance ,but mankind has spurned the law and now he will spew you forth as vial vomit for you are worthy think not that you will gain anything on the day of judgment for your time is now learn the word whilst their is still time you are on one side or the other you are with god or you appose him ,amen
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Jeramiposted 14 years ago
Why do we not make our politicians do something about it.

God is no less compassion than we are as a whole.
Can humanity take any of the blame.
After all we have free will and we freely will things to be the way that they are.

Cagsil keeps telling us that we are gods. IF so ..Why can we not do something about this situation?

As Cagsil said.. If he was God; he wouldn't help someone that wouldn't help themselves.

Love of this life is not what it is supposed to be about.

earnestshub wrote ...How can you even imply that without feeling?
===================================

I have feelings about a lot of things that I can do nothing about. Can'T change the laws of nature, doesn't mean that I don't feel bad about it.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You don't feel bad about it, you could care less.
  
  Yes, you can do something about it, Jerami. Pray to your god to give them food. Simple. If your god feeds you, he will feed them.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  you have said a truth.amen
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paarsurreyposted 14 years ago
How do you explain unanswered prayer?

The Creator-God Allah YHWH says in Quran:

[2:187] And when My servants ask thee about Me, say: ‘I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to Me. So they should hearken to Me and believe in Me, that they may follow the right way.’

http://www.alislam.org/quran/search2/sh … ;verse=186
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kessposted 14 years ago
The pupose of you living this life is for you to see and observe death just as you can see and observe life.

Now all things are for good even including death because they are for the purposes of Life.

You must realize that death works also in you and it is your sole responsibility to free yourselves from it's bondage.

Now unless you are free yourselves you are in no position to free another.

What if those starving chldren were given food and they still die at a later date... were they actually better off if they have not broken death shackles.

Those who stand in judgement and point accusing fingers are just as guilty, for they are not lifting up but merely pulling down.. and this is the way of death and they re employed in it's service.

Look, observe and KNOW that the purpose of your Life is to be LIFE yourself.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  In other words, you believe the starving deserve to die just so you can observe their deaths. They are better off dying a horrible agonizing death while you live.
  
  I hope you live forever.
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  kessposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Perfect picture of "christian, pharisees" who sees a sin within themselves and then passes it off on another.
  
  If you know these children are starving why are they then still starving?
  
  Do you yourself have not seen it as important that they be fed?
  
  So therefore just as the Pharisees, hypocrites, asking others to do what you yourself will not do.....
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Your god refuses to feed them, but instead answers the prayers of traveling to Disneyland.
  
  I ask your god to feed them. He feeds you, doesn't he? Why not them?
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  man does not live by bread alone.amen
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  When god provides you with plenty of bread, its an easy thing to say, isn't it?
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  hes been told babies go to heaven BUT
  HE CAN'T ACCEPT THAT BABIES GO TO HEAVEN BECAUSE HE DOESN'T BELIEVE IN GOD AND YET HE BLAMES GOD FOR STARVING BABIES!!!
  
  theres a name for that
  
  sad, really sad, depressing even
  how give us your embarassed face
  heres a hanky for the egg
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  even the devil knows theirs a god .amen
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hanging outposted 14 years ago
healing and miracles are two different things.
a miracle is instantaneous or obvious.
healing takes longer as it is a process of healing which is what the word healing means... hows my cut, it is healing fine for example.

jesus said often, "your faith has made you whole". Some of these were miracles.
We find people have faith at different levels. Some say "Lord but say the word and my son shall be healed". "Lord nay do not come to my house but say, here, the word and it shall be done". Some say "help thou my unbelief".

I recall praying for a quadriplegic. I wanted him out of his wheelchair and when i prayed he just sat there. I recognized that his faith level or his want was not about to make him attempt to get out of the chair while i was praying, which i thought would have been a good show of faith. I saw no signs of struggle to walk.
That was a bit depressing as i felt i was wasting my time, but no time in the things of God is a waste. Today he walks like no doctor ever thought but still in a wheelchair. Was i looking for a miracle? or did i induce a healing? I may never know, clearly i did not get the miracle.

God always answers prayer, Yes, No and Not Yet. Not Yet is the most common because patience is important. A lot of new christians pray amiss, they are all excited and want everything God has to give them right now, but did your parents give you everything you wanted as a child or a baby? Were you driving the famiy car into town at age 10? No. Due to age (maturity) and physical ability you were denied things for good reasons, the same with God. James reminds us not to pray a miss (as opposed to praying a hit or on the nose or the nail) Lord give me the lottery and i will buy you a church! hehe, God don't need you to buy him a church and the most important thing, what will you do with the left over $? Its the riches and camel thing again, very important.

So i never worry about unanswered prayer for another reason. Prayer is a tool for the christian, God says love your enemies, so how do you show that, you pray for them. God says that prayer will help in times of temptation to resist the adversity - this one works the most. Prayer is a tool for the molding of the Believers heart. Most requests should be for others and not ourselves, y'know selfish prayers. Make my sports team win the series while the other team supporters pray the same for the other team. That prayer will never get answered. If i am praying for the victims of flooding i am actually softening my own heart as well. I am conditioning my mind say if i go over on missionary work i am already contrite to their situation.
As hard as it to believe, God hears all prayer. While he may ignore some Pharisaical prayers (pretentious, selfish, hatefilled, greedy etc) the heart of sincerity he always listens to. And allow me another few minutes to try and clarify how this happens.
recall when jesus was asleep in the boat (because he had a tough and very busy day healing and preaching huge masses of people, mark 4:35) and the waves beat the boat, they came, woke jesus and said, "the boat sinks do you not care?" approximately... Jesus spoke to the waves and wind and said "peace unto you", approximately.. well, the sea and wind do not have ears and neither can they hear, so how was this done?

What is so amazing about God is that he spoke the universe into being and here is his son speaking to nature to be calm. God works on the macro and micro levels. Do i think that atoms surprised God.. Hey jesus look at this, atoms.. God wasn't surprised. God lives on another level from our natural world and he is through all, around all, above all, in all and beside all, as active as he needs to be, he created all in fact the very Laminin that holds the universe together:
http://refreshingword.org/laminin.aspx

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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  you shouldn't talk about yourself this way, besides we already know.
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Extreme Insanity iz an unwilliness to obay god.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  and an inability to spell is an indication of lower than normal mental ability.
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jay_kumar_07posted 14 years ago
Un answered prayer in point of you is answered one in point of GOD.
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  your welcome
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paarsurreyposted 14 years ago
How do you explain unanswered prayer?

The prayers are a tool for attaining nearness to the Creator-God Allah YHWH and the prayers are answered/accepted generally but sometimes these are not accepted if:

1. The fulfillment of the prayer is against the interest of the one who prays.
2. The fulfillment of the prayer is against the other attributes of the Creator-God Allah YHWH.
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  paarsurreyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  For knowing more about the prayer and its philosophy, one may read the following book by the Promised Messiah 1835-1908:
  
  http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Bl … Prayer.pdf
  
  "If someone is in doubt because some prayers are
  not accepted and are apparently ineffectual, I would
  say that the same is also true of medicines. Have
  medicines closed the door of death, or is it impossible
  for them to fail in their purpose? And yet can anyone
  deny their effect? It is true that Predestination
  comprehends everything, but it has neither rendered
  the sciences useless nor has it shown the means to be
  unreliable.
  
  If you reflect deeply enough, you will see
  that the physical and spiritual means are not outside
  the sphere of Predestination. For instance, if a sick
  person’s destiny is favourable, all the means for the
  proper remedy become available and his physical
  condition happens to be such that it is ready to derive
  full benefit from the remedy, and the medicine also
  finds its mark accurately.
  
  The same principle applies
  to prayer. All the means and conditions for the
  acceptance of a prayer only become available when
  God wills to accept it. God Almighty has bound both
  the physical and spiritual orders in the same chain of
  cause and effect. Thus, it is a gross mistake on the
  part of Sayyid Sahib to accept the physical order and
  to deny the spiritual one.
  
  I deem it necessary to add that if Sayyid Sahib does
  not repent of his erroneous assumptions and insists on
  being given proof of the acceptance of prayers, then
  let him know that I have been commissioned to dispel
  such misconceptions and I promise to inform him of
  the acceptance of some of my prayers beforehand,
  and I will even go so far as to publish them. But
  Sayyid Sahib too should affirm that he will give up
  his false ideas when it has been proved that I am true
  in my claim."
  
  http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Bl … Prayer.pdf
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  jay_kumar_07posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Every prayer heared and answered . Depend up on our acceptence we may call answered & unanswered.
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earnestshubposted 14 years ago
Show proof of even one answered prayer and I will appoint you as my god!
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  brother yochanan found his car keys
  now bow down
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ryancarterposted 14 years ago
To pray for the sole reason of getting an answer in return is merely putting God to the test. To constantly look for proof, like Earnest does, is going to lead you to a meaningless life of "see, Christians, I told you so..." moments when you just gloat over other people's misfortunes.

Yeah we can all type in this forum that we really feel for the sick children, and that our lives aren't worth anymore than anyone else'. Instead of proving God, just prove yourself and your own claims.

As for unanswered prayers, no answer is still an answer isn't it? Unless you're not OK with getting a "NO".
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  paarsurreyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I agree with you
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  hes not okay with NO. hes so fearfully afraid hes made the biggest mistake of his life, hes just plain desperate and so very angry. He needs to keep a page opened on hubpages 24/7 just to put up his fetid one liners.
  
  That's sickness and blind desperation
  now give us your happy face, close the hubpages browser and have a lovely, normal life.
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Beelzedadposted 14 years ago
I am stunned and appalled at the cruelty and lack of compassion the believers of this forum exhibit in order to support their beliefs in their gods. The ugliness and hatred of religion has revealed itself here in ways that cannot be described in words.

I am deeply saddened.
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  luvpassionposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Paleeeze...your not saddened. I've been to Japan and back and find you singing the same old tune.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  This just goes to show that the main aim of the deluded person is to support the delusion.
  
  They MUST know that they are supporting horrific, callous, psychopathic nonsense, with no respect for human life whatsoever. But the compulsive nature of delusion is too strong even for them to invoke their moral compasses.
  
  Eventhough their concept of God, is that of a complete a$$4ole, they fear His "authority" too much to call Him out.
  
  If these people were not deluded, they would be extremely ashamed of themselves.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  We can conclude that so many of the worlds problems are the result of religious beliefs if that is the case. And yet, believers want the right to have their beliefs, they want the right to have no respect for human life. Shameful.
  
  If mankind survives religious zealotry, humans will look back on these days and will be ashamed.
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  of course you will dear, now wheres your meds
  
  and your happy face
  
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  And how exactly is your randing doing anything about any problem. That isn't feeding a single hungry person. Just a lot of noise.
  You seem to be full of hate. Period!!
  If it was not this, it would be something else that you would be hating.
  
  "IF" you were right and convinced everyone that they were wrong in believing in a higher power.. GOD .. You have accomplished nothing. Nothing of any value will have been achieved.
  
  BUT If you are wrong ? Everyone that you have converted ... Well I'll just say that their fate is on your head.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I never said I would feed any hungry people.
  
  Quite the contrary. I actually would not be able to sleep if I thought that God was answering my prayers and not the prayers of the poor starving children, who need the help more than me.
  I could never be that hateful.
  
  Maybe.
  
  What if I convince everyone to believe in a higher power called... the Flying Spaghetti Monster
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I am stunned and appalled at the cruelty and lack of compassion the atheists of this forum exhibit in order to support their nonbeliefs in their false gods. The ugliness and hatred of atheism has revealed itself here in ways that cannot be described in words.
  
  I am deeply saddened.
  
  This just goes to show that the main aim of the deluded person is to support the delusion.
  They MUST know that they are supporting horrific, callous, psychopathic nonsense, with no respect for human life whatsoever. But the compulsive nature of delusion is too strong even for them to invoke their moral compasses.
  Even though their concept of atheism, they fear too much to just understand.
  If these people were not deluded, they would be extremely ashamed of themselves, repent and love God
  
  We can conclude that so many of the worlds problems are the result of atheistic beliefs. And yet, nonbelievers want the right to have their nonbeliefs, they want the right to have no respect for human life. Shameful.
  If mankind survives atheist zealotry, humans will look back on these days and will be ashamed.
  
  wotalotofrot you do speak. All that blabber and not one fact, just your own outdated inferences intrinsically designed to support not one iota of truth but your own delusions that you are right. Hey atheists are the minority around the world... better get off that train your on, its heading for a wreck.
  funny
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  swordofgideonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  bitterness and hatred can only end in one way destruction of the soul, but their are those who have sold their soul to the devil,god said if you be ashamed of me then also on that great day shall i be ashamed of you.and no recompense shall be found in you and your blood shall be upon your hands and the blood of the saints and your reward shall find you out,and no alternate poet shall save you.amen
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Do you have point to your sermon?
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tritrainposted 14 years ago
It could be that the "recipient of said prayers" is simply busy.

After all, there are about 7 billion people on the planet.
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phildazzposted 14 years ago
I once wrote on my Facebook page that "I love God, the bafflement of my soul". After reading most of the comments here, I'll say, God is the bafflement of all of our souls. Everything that is said here is conjectures. We are born without faith and everyone is conditioned to their environment as far as place of birth, religion if any, culture, customs, etc. Depending on how/where we were raised will determine whether we acquire faith or we believe in God. The fascinating thing about life is, whatever belief we attach ourselves too in this life time, when we die, we will leave our attachments right here on earth where we found them.

The nature of things is, "nothing comes by guess", not even the air we breathe, the clothes we wear, the Tsunamis that kill thousands. Then why would anyone think the earth and universe appeared by guess? I would have to say they were created by a creator just as everything else is created by someone or something.

The question we must ask ourselves is, if god is eternal, then everything exists within God, otherwise, we can not say God is eternal. Do you agree? If God is eternal? then the good, the bad, the urgly, the evil, the poor, the rich, heaven, earth, etc. can not exist outside of God because this will take away the eternity aspect of God.

The question of God answering prayers or not? Here's my answer. I personally have a difficult time trying to figure out my own life and I'm a nobody. Could you imagine me, trying to figure out why God answers prayers or not? I don't think so. Off all the answers or comments that I've read so far, everyone has fail to state this crucial fact. If you are the owner of something? wouldn't you do as you please with it. God owns everything, I think God has the same rights as us, to do what pleases God. Answering prayers or not answering prayers is God's right to do as will.

If you don't like my answer? remember, when any of us leave this earth, we have to go exactly as we came when we were born, with out anything, no faith, no conjectures, no money, no woman.. that one hurts. no car..Oh my God, and most of all no religion, definitely no religion.

What will I say to God when it's my time to leave? Thank you very much for my journey or life on earth, it was worth the experience. I tasted allot of it, pain, love, sorrow, defeat, sickness, pleasure, bitter tears, sunshine smile, death, laughter, ganja, hangovers, the tropics; oh God, Canadian winters are so damn cold, can I visit when the summers get to be as long as the winters? Whatever I may say, there isn't a day I awake that I will not say "Thank you God for this day" amen.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, it pleases god to send peoples kids to Disneyland, to find car keys and parking spots and other such inanities. It must also please him to refuse food to the starving and watch as thousands die in agony every day.
  
  What will the tens of thousands of small children say to god after they die of starvation? Will they be thanking god for living a life of horror and dying in agony?
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earnestshubposted 14 years ago
Jesus was a bigger liar than any used car salesman I know!

And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:21-22 NAS)

Moved any mountains lately?
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  ryancarterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Seriously, have you ever tried it WITHOUT doubt? Jesus wasn't lying...
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  earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No I have more than doubts.
  I would lie to see any christians doing it.
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lucieanneposted 14 years ago
What if there just isn't a God?
I like to think there is, because, being human, I need some kind of comfort blanket, and I like to believe that every time my children return home safely from their travels, work, nights out etc, it's because my God has answered my prayers. I don't pray for much, although I do say 'thanks' for all the blessings I receive on a daily basis. I'm not rich (far from it) and I don't drive a car. I don't own my own home and I don't go on holiday very often. I don't earn a lot of money (obviously) and sometimes I wonder how the hell I'm going to put the next meal on the table. But you know, every day, I'm more swayed to believe that there is a God. Perhaps we don't always get what we want, but faith finds a way to give us what we need.
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  earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I believe you already have what you need, and it has nothing to do with any bronze aged myth.
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sharon e dixposted 14 years ago
I hope I have the question correct. How do you explain unanswered prayer. Let us start with the simple look at the beauty of the sky, the going of the wind, the tear that flows down a face may it be laughter or pain. So many things in Life are complex yet so simple. I have to believe that the bible is the source of all answers. So let us look at the word of God , Lets do this maybe I will do a hub on this subject ,so for know I will tell you that the Lord does know what is best and all prayers are stored in golden vials and in his perfect timing he (the Lord) pours them out.found in revelations,for those who are not familiar with the bible that is the last book in the bible. This is why the word says trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your understanding and he will direct your path. till next time , may all your dreams come true Sharon e Dix
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  So why are poor starving dying children in Cambodia and Africa not receiving what's stored in these golden vials? They need it more than any of us. NOW! They can't wait for God's "perfect timing"
  
  The understanding of the lord sometimes seems like a vicious con game, so I have to lean to my own understanding.
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  Disturbiaposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'm sick to death of all this chatter about starving children.
  
  Instead of pissing and moaning about God's unanswered prayers and the world's starving children, do something positive and contributation to one of the following relief organizations on this website:
  
  http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/in … al/famine/
  
  I mean, if you're all really so concerned about starving children and not just huffing and puffing smoke up everyone's butts.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Disturbia, you are somehow missing the point of this debate.
  The OP is: How Do You Explain Unanswered Prayer?
  This is not about the starving children, however the starving children serve as a thorn in the side of believers, and makes them post the most mindless nonsense.
  
  I'm sickened by the thought of children starving to death, however, in this debate, this issue serves as a reminder to believers that their beliefs are insane.
  
  So the starving children issue is very relative to the OP.
  
  With dishonesty being the foundation of the believer's premise, all preceding responses will reveal that dishonesty. So far I have seen some extremely absurd and dishonest responses.
  
  The believers only have to admit that God DOES NOT answer prayers, because God is imaginary. And this starving children issue will dissolove instantly.
  
  But, of course, that would require honesty, which they just can't grasp as this time.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  OK, now we see your true colours:
  
  "And this starving children issue will dissolove instantly."
  
  Really?
  
  Can all the Christian aid workers come home then, can believers stop donating millions yearly to relief programs, can we stop building hospitals and schools in countries that are run by corrupt secular leaders who shun and sometimes kill our workers.
  
  The 'starving children' are just (to you) an invented reason to supposedly put your satanic inspired claw into believers sides.
  
  You care not one jot about them, or you would be doing something.
  
  Prayer is answered by all these workers and donors who are fighting against a corrupt world system to save those who they may.
  
  All you can do is try to score cheap points by blathering your mantra daily.
  
  You should be ashamed.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  THIS IS A TRULY DESPERATE KNEE JERK REACTION.
  YOU HAVE TAKEN MY WORDS COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTEXT.
  
  FOR YOUR INFORMATION, I WAS REFERRING TO HUBPAGES. IN OTHER WORDS "THIS STARVING CHILDREN ISSUE WILL DISSOLVE AS AN ISSUE HERE ON HUBPAGES---NOT IN THE DAMN WORLD.
  
  WHAT A FOOLISH, FOOLISH, FOOLISH KNEE JERK REACTION, JUST TO MAKE YOURSELF LOOK MORALLY SUPERIOR. YOU ARE NOT.
  
  WHAT ON EARTH WOULD MAKE YOU THINK THAT I MEANT THIS IN THE CONTEXT THAT YOU ARE IMPLYING? I GUESS YOUR GOD MAKES YOU SEE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SEE, IN ORDER TO SUPPORT YOUR DELUSION.
  
  JUST FOR THE RECORD, I'M A FORMER SOCIAL WORKER. I EVEN STATED IN MY RESPONSE, THAT I'M SICKENED BY THE PLIGHT OF THESE POOR STARVING CHILDREN. I FULLY SUPPORT ALL EFFORTS TO ERADICATE THE SUFFERING OF THESE CHILDREN. I ALSO VOLUNTEER ON A REGULAR BASIS AT PANTRIES AND SOUP KITCHENS. IN MY STATE, I ORGANIZE A ONE DAY RELIEF PROGRAM FOR ALL THE HOMELESS VETERANS IN THE STATE, CALLED THE "STANDDOWN"
  
  AGAIN, YOU MADE AN EGREGIOUS ERROR, IN TAKING MY STATEMENT COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTEXT. YOU WERE SO QUICK TO JUDGMENT.
  
  I'M SICKENED BY THE THOUGHT THAT THERE ARE CHILDREN STARVING, SUFFERING AND DYING. IN THE PAST, I HAVE EVEN GIVEN FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO MY FRIEND JULIE WHO IS A MISSIONARY IN THESE WAR-TORN COUNTRIES.
  
  PLEASE STOP YOUR INANE PREACHING, AND TRY TO ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT IS ACTUALLY BEING SAID.
  
  A PURELY OFFENSIVE AND BLATANTLY FALSE ACCUSATION.
  
  Aqua, I'm deeply offended by the accusations that you have leveled against me. However, being a professional writer, I also understand that words do have different meanings, and that since we are not face-to-face, the meaning of what I thought I was conveying was not APPARENT.
  
  I'm not going to say that you should be ashamed, but I do believe you owe me an apology--you did in fact misrepresent me here on the forum.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Getitrite, all I have done here is expose your inner motives, to attack any believer in any way possible, using any manner you (as a professional writer) have at your disposal.
  
  My reply to you, reflects fairly accurately your reply to MANY believers, who it seems you consider fair game for castigation simply because they believe different to you.
  
  If that smarts, then remember how it feels before you glibly attack someone who is of faith.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Aquasilver,
  
  A simple apology would have sufficed.
  
  If not, I would ask that you not respond to any of my post in the future.
  
  This kind of evil is the reason I'm not a religious fanatic like you are. Your blatant disrespect, and misrepresentation of my comments here on hubpages is a testament to the psychotic, narcissistic nature of your beliefs.
  
  I have never misrepresented anyone here on hubpages. If I have I would be quick to issue an apology.
  
  You, on the other hand, having an imaginary God that you think aids your foolish perceptions, think you are given the right to slander others, then, arrogantly, proclaim a victory for your stupid, nonsensical, psychopathic God.
  
  YOUR GOD SUCKS!!!
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  Woman Of Courageposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  getitrite, I just read aquasilver above message to you. Honestly, you are offended by the truth of your behavior. I have witnessed many times in the christian forums where you have misrepresented me and others by calling us delusional and all kinds of ugly names. I never seen an appology from you, but yet you feel that you deserve an appology from someone who is just speaking the truth about what you are obviously doing. Another one of your tricks. Lord have mercy on you.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  DELUSIONAL : a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary; also : the abnormal state marked by such beliefs.
  
  I don't think I misrepresented you, per my definitiion.
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  stilljustwonderinposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  What indisputable proof? No one has proven that God doesn't exist.
  There are millions of people who would disagree with you.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Actually there are apparently (according to the atheist websites)only 850,000,000 atheists in the world, from a population of 6,500,000,000 so thats 13% of folk who are delusional in believing that there is no God to answer to or hold a relationship with.
  
  87% of the world disagree with getitrite and his clones, but like many minorities, the empty vessels make the most noise.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Because you cannot measure G-d from a metaphorical standpoint. He is an entirely different concept from something that is designed to be recognized in a laboratory.
  
  When you say G-d, you are calling upon an intelligence that you can communicate with and responds. One that has the power to mediate between you and the forces of chaos and time around you. Yet, it is invisible. The power to alter your course, to divert your path is too much rooted in the paths of the natural world for you to be able to ascertain if indeed the path was altered or it was a coincidence you found a coin on the ground in front of a slot machine that gave you say the 1,000 dollars you needed. (These things do happen by the way)
  
  But since we are talking subjective here,and no one has measured it because you simply cannot recreate the conditions in a laboratory, there can be no reliable data to review.
  
  Proof of G-d lies in the scientific quest for the answers to two things:
  
  1. Is there a unified theory of everything?
  2. Is the universe exhibiting a kind of intelligence and/or are we a fractal of a greater order that is also intelligent?
  
  The problem is we are still grappling with our understanding of our own intelligence as well as our idea of what everything is.
  
  A subjective reality requires a subjective proof. Do you feel a force working with you and diverting your path in your life?
  
  An objective reality requires an objective proof. Does a person who pray often get more resources are safer etc than the neighborhood atheist. IS that person happier?
  
  While these things are quantifiable, and indeed they have been quantified. It only proves the belief in G-d not G-d himself makes life better. You'd need to answer the two questions above first for an actual argument that G-d or an objective version of G-d does exist.
  
  I think the entire thing is a distraction. You either believe and see it in your life or don't. The mystery is why those who cannot see order and intelligence at work in nature and within us are grappling with those who do believe. Why can't it be: You eat pork and beans, I eat fish and rice. You'll die faster, but that's how you like your stew. The addiction to engage is the way we are all trying to think it through. Because in truth, G-d is the BIG QUESTION. One that we all live to ask and die to answer from our own life experience.
  
  Demanding proof of G-d is a joke. The proof is within your own life. Literally and figuratively.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  There is no proof of god in your own life or anyone else's. There is just an unsubstantiated belief that is rooted in ancient thinking that probably originated in children's stories to explain the unknown.
  
  The point of the OP asking for evidence of prayer results is to explore any proof of a god figure, I am willing to accept that a mystical superbeing is a possibility - if unprobable, I am not prepared to accept the outlandish idea that this possible being would reach down and ensure that some god-botherer gets to take his children to Disney while ignoring kids starving to death eslewhere who do not bother 'him'.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  well that's the thing isn't it.
  
  it really is ignorance on what's going on when a person asks to go to Disney land or to land a job, or to see someone feel better.
  
  Prayer is a natural human instinct. Even atheists would say "please, please, let there be a bathroom in the corner" Are they talking to G-d? Or themselves? They know no one will provide the bathroom but their feet. But there it is...Please please, let there be coffee in the meeting.
  
  You pray to G-d to release your worry in the same way that as a child, you hound your parents for food even when you know they don't have it. It is just something to do proactively while you wait for your desire to be filled to release anxiety. It is also a way for the conscious mind to reach for the subconscious and to inform it of a desire.
  
  The subconscious is a powerful thing. It knows the way. You say, I hate my job and you get fired. You don't want to spend, you forget your wallet at home. Ask yourself why our brains are made this way. The human brain evolved in the same pattern as life evolved on earth. Why does it have a mechanism that actualizes whatever we repeatedly ask for?
  
  There is nothing wrong with prayers. There is something wrong with inaction and self-deceit.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You're talking about the other Christians here who firmly hold those beliefs. If you're calling them ignorant, perhaps they can respond to you and explain their position. As you can see, their answers are as contradictory as their held beliefs.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well, I am not talking to them. i am talking to you. I talk to them in the same honesty and directness as I do you. The difference is, they do not engage. Most of them are polite enough to agree to disagree.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'm not the one making claims that god sends my kids to Disneyland, so your beef about being ignorant is with the believers, not me.
  
  Honesty? Polite? LOL! Good one.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  well people respond to people differently. I find them polite or just non confrontational with me. I don't know maybe you have a different experience.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Hi Celia, could be that 'Einstein' just gives out negative energy all the time and therefore.... attracts the same!
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I do understand why you would consider my concern for mankind in its demise "negative" especially considering that religious mindsets find mankind evil in light of their beliefs and objects of worship. The rapture is just not soon enough for you folks.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  But perhaps too soon for you!
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I consider your narrow perspective, too narrow for you to actually have any space for rudimentary wisdom. I engage you only as a platform. You are a stage I dance on.
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  prettydarkhorseposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Hi Cecilia, kumusta.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Hello, eto...pinapatulan ang mga mokong na to ( Here same as always, taking the bait)
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  prettydarkhorseposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Oh ok, sige lang, I will eat my lunch and take care.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, lunch is a good idea. See ya!
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Make sure you praise and thank your god for the lunches.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, I understand your need for personal insults in light of any argument. Right on time.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  An observation is not an insult. Narrow perspective is not an insult. It's an opinion.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, you are insulting me. We could have the Hubpages admins decide, but they would ban you as a result.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  show some original insight and maybe I'll clap my hands.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, exactly. Birds of the same feather, so to speak.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Birds of a feather, perhaps...
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Would those be the same people who pray to your god for food, and get nothing but an agonizing death in return? Or, is it those who pray to your god to send their kids to Disneyland?
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Repetition....
  
  ...and boring repetition, answered many times, change the record.
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  china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The problem is that none of the 'believers' have answered it - in any convincing way other than a book told them so. If you have nothing to add to this interesting debate I guess it is case closed - prayers are a crock of shyte and a waste of human compassion and resources.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I understand that you "believe" the question was answered, because you "believe" that your god can do no wrong. However, your beliefs fly in the face of reality due to the the lack of food your god provides to the starving and the trips to Disneyland he grants, instead.
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  Jim Hunterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  So go provide some food and money for the starving.
  
  Don't talk about it be about it.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  So I guess you agree that prayer is a waste of time - I agree with you, the only useful thing for people is to do is to DO something instead of wasting their time on their knees making themselves feel better and nothing else.
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  Jim Hunterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  "So I guess you agree that prayer is a waste of time"
  
  Nope, I'm just tired of all the whining and no action.
  
  Religious organizations and church's have spent more time and money than any body to feed the hungry.
  
  Some guy on hubpages having a meltdown about people he has probably never tried to help doesn't impress me.
  
  Millions of Christians who have donated their time and money do.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I don't see any whining here - and there has been plenty of action as each prayer mumbler has tried to convince us that prayers work - but nobody has ansered Beelzedads question yet. Your posts are just an attempt at diverting the thread because you have no answer either.
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  Jim Hunterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I don't care if you see whining or not, I do.
  
  You have this incorrect belief that I possibly care what you think or believe.
  
  Its not my job to prove anything to you.
  
  If God provides trips to Disneyland then pray for a trip to Disneyland and get a hotdog.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  what is wrong with managing your own fears?
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Why can't your god provide the food, he provides trips to Disneyland, why not food? Why would he deny food to starving children only to provide trips to Disneyland?
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  Jim Hunterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Maybe they should move to the food.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That is quite the compassionate and reasonable answer there. Do you have any more gems like that?
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  Jim Hunterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'm not claiming to be compassionate.
  
  Or didn't you realize that?
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  Jim Hunterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  So when can we expect you to send all of your money to feed the hungry?
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Are you saying I should do what your god refuses to do? Are you saying that we continue to worship a god who answer prayers for Disneyland instead of answering prayers for food?
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  Jim Hunterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I don't think God has money.
  
  I am saying you should send all of your money to some group that feeds the hungry.
  
  Or pray to go to Disneyland and get a hotdog.
  
  Its up to you.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That isn't what the Christians here claim, they claim their god provides them with more than just money. You'll need to take that issue up with the believers who make those claims.
  
  No, it's up to god.
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  Jim Hunterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  By the way you can get food at Disneyland.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Perhaps, that is gods primary food distribution center?
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  But you have to call the restaurants in advance otherwise all you'll get is crappy oily overpriced food. There's a number you call and if they say no availability. You call and call and call until you get it. I did that for Cinderella's Castle. No one else got a slot in among all the moms here but me. I even got one big lunch at Akersus where I will never forget the norwegian goat cheese.
  
  Power of hounding the universe for what you want. It applies even to Disney
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Definition of DELUSION
  
  1: the act of deluding : the state of being deluded
  2
  a : something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated
  b : a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary; also : the abnormal state marked by such beliefs
  — de·lu·sion·al adjective
  — de·lu·sion·ary adjective
  Examples of DELUSION
  
  He has delusions about how much money he can make at that job.
  He is living under the delusion that he is incapable of making mistakes.
  She is under the delusion that we will finish on time.
  As the illness progressed, his delusions took over and he had violent outbursts.
  Origin of DELUSION
  
  Middle English, from Late Latin delusion-, delusio, from deludere
  First Known Use: 15th century
  Related to DELUSION
  
  Synonyms: chimera, conceit, daydream, fantasy, dream, fancy, figment, hallucination, illusion, nonentity, phantasm (also fantasm), pipe dream, unreality, vision
  Antonyms: truth, verity
  [+]more
  Synonym Discussion of DELUSION
  
  delusion, illusion, hallucination, mirage mean something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal. delusion implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind <delusions of persecution>. illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines <an illusion of safety>. hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs <suffered from terrifying hallucinations>. mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim <claimed a balanced budget is a mirage>.
  Rhymes with DELUSION
  
  affusion, allusion, Carthusian, collusion, conclusion, confusion, contusion, diffusion, effusion, elusion, exclusion, extrusion, illusion,...
  [+]more
  Britannica.com
  
  Learn more about "delusion" and related topics at Britannica.com
  Browse
  
  Next Word in the Dictionary: delusive
  Previous Word in the Dictionary: deluge (transitive verb)
  All Words Near: delusion
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No - you have not "exposed getitright's inner motive" you have twisted what he said in a very straightforward manner.
  
  This a normal christian trick, lies, deceipt and lack of all the values christians call christian.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  Thanks, AP. I hope everyone else here can also see the lack of morals in fanatical believers.
  
  It's downright evil.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Are you now saying that you did not state the following;
  
  " The believers only have to admit that God DOES NOT answer prayers, because God is imaginary. And this starving children issue will dissolove instantly."
  
  Take a long hard look at what you said there... you clearly illustrated that in your mind, "this starving children issue" is purely a point used to try and force believers into submission to your twisted logic.
  
  As for not answering your posts, well to quote your own 'teams' statement, this is a public forum, anybody is free to post within the TOS rules, however I would welcome never seeing you try to castigate some believer with your venomous posts, and if you do not attack believers I will be delighted to never respond to you again.
  
  But don't try to silence believers, they will NOT be silenced by intimidation and bully boy tactics.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  True, they will continue to vocally praise their gods for their abundance while others starve to death.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  ...as you continue with your deception and bleating.
  
  Tell you what, when I have time, I will write a hub that every believer can post to you as a comment, answering your absurd allegations, for you have been answered many times and yet you still insist on peddling your garbage.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I can understand how you would consider reasoning as deception, it is the only way to preserve a cruel and inhumane belief system.
  
  By all means, do so. Please show us the gargantuan hypocrisy of your beliefs and contrived excuses to support your belief system.
  
  I'm sure the starving children of the world will appreciate the fact that you consider their plight as "peddling garbage." Having the courage to write such things here is not the same as saying it to their faces though, is it?
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Q, really. You know better than to let people know who you are.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  A sock-puppet is one that agrees with their other userid in order to support them, aquasilver.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  This is just pure deception. I have explained to you what the context of the statement is, yet you go on and on. This is not a debate, but absolute INSANITY. No wonder you can't discern between reality and nonsense.
  
  This is a delusion that is so strong it's freaky. Man!!!
  
  SERIOUSLY!!!
  
  No, I'm only trying to get you to be honest. No submission, just honesty.
  
  It is you with the twisted logic. You actually believe in imaginary characters from a 2000 year old book of outlandish nonsense.
  You actually believe that those characters actually speak to you, today. TWISTED?!!! You got to be kidding! WTF?!!!
  
  Then stop with your venomous stupidity, and we have a deal.
  
  And they will keep lying, slandering, twisting statements, and any other immoral acts to support their mental sickness. Honesty seems to be the sworn enemy of the believer.
  
  There is no God, but there is, definitely, mental illness, for it has been proven on this forum.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Another one quoting from some obscure handbook on how to twist reality.... keep up the good work.
  
  Getitrite clearly showed his stance when he illustrated for all and sundry that this whole 'starving child' bleat is nothing more than a distraction to you guys, used to try and disrupt free speech and discussion on topics you all hate.
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  pisean282311posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  starving children is reality...infact in the world where we live which includes all kinds of believers with all kinds of books and religion as well as all kinds of non believers with their versions ..the reality is that world has 1 out of 7 people starving...we may give god , no god , god's will and any such reasons but that doesnot change the reality...it is better if we forget the tags and unite as plain humans to answer such reality...
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Agree totally, I simply am fed up of sycophantic atheists bleating that Christ does not care for the starving, because His people are in every country where there is need, and if the world system, run by non believers, no matter what they call themselves, would stop their program of selective eugenics, then those children could be helped more.
  
  Show me an atheist run aid program and maybe they have some right to question believers, until then, as just admitted by Getitrite, they only view the starving children as pawns in their sick game of goading believers.
  
  Hypocrites and shams the lot of them.
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  pisean282311posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  atheist run aid program ?...well i dont think there is anything like that...yes there are various non religious ngos and bodies all around the world but they have people from every faith or no faith which participate..for e.g. i am not religious person and dont believe in any religion but i am associated with three different ngos who also are not religious oriented but they do great work as far as uplifting people are concerned...so i dont think i need religion to do something for which i feel for...i do for my own sake because those issues are close for my heart...humanity can exist without religion too...in ngos i talked about there are people who believe in god and there are people who dont believe in god too...
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  Woman Of Courageposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I sure am fed up with it also.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  But, you and every other believer have created this situation by making claims that god answers your prayers. And, to try and justify the obvious contradictions this situation blatantly exposes, believers attempt to fabricate stories or make it seem like it's all mans fault and not the fault of your god for answering your prayers and not those of others.
  
  The simple and honest answer is that your god doesn't answer anyone's prayers. He doesn't send kids to Disneyland, he doesn't feed you, he doesn't find your car keys or parking spots and he doesn't feed the starving.
  
  These are all problems of our world and reality that we have to deal with and solve ourselves and no amount of praying to your god is going to make one iota of difference.
  
  If you're really fed up with it, then stop claiming your god answers your prayers.
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  Woman Of Courageposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Clever trick Beelzedad, You will never stop me from praying. Prayer is a daily part of my life. Sorry that bothers you.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'm sure you will continue to pray, and you will continue to believe that your prayers get answered, just like the starving will continue to starve to death because their prayers never get answered. Dying for lack of food is also a daily part of their lives.
  
  I'm also sure your beliefs in answered prayers will bother the starving a lot more than it bothers you.
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  getitriteposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  I don't quite understand what you are saying. But if you are implying that I'm saying that this is not real, then, you have grossly misunderstood what I meant to convey.
  
  Please read me post again and you will see that I meant that the debate over the issue of the starving children would disappear, NOT the reality.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  So the starving children would get no mention if we believers would just have acquiesce to your rants!
  
  I see, they are only useful to discuss in the context of goading believers.... now I understand your compassion for them, totally self centered to your personal 'spin' plan.
  
  Very commendable, keep digging.
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  pisean282311posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  no i was talking to aguasilver...it is reality that 1 out of 7 starve in the world ...
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  If Christians would admit that their god does not answer their prayers, like sending their kids to Disneyland, there would be no need to "chatter about starving children."
  
  It is the contradiction of answered prayers that is the point here. The good Christians here feel that praying to send a kid to Disneyland is far more relevant than the prayers of starving children.
  
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  luvpassionposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Disneyland...Disneyland, boy you just aren't gonna let that one go are ya. Why should an person who believes in a higher being admit anything to someone looking for an argument to justify his disbelief?
  
  "The good Christians here feel that praying to send a kid to Disneyland is far more relevant than the prayers of starving children."
  
  Thank you einstein for telling all the Christians how they feel. Really Mr. Beelzedad...are you an empath?
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  When the belief is such a contradiction from reality, a belief that is without compassion and smacks only of cruelty, then it demands justification.
  
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paarsurreyposted 14 years ago
The Promised Messiah 1835-1908 mention in his book "The Blessings of Prayer" about acceptance of the prayers:

Now, for the benefit of the general public, I will
briefly set out the facts about the acceptance of
prayer. Let it be clear that this subject is part of the
larger subject of prayer, and it is a matter of principle
that one who is not conversant with the fundamentals
of a subject is bound to be mistaken and deceived in
understanding its branches. This is why Sayyid Sahib
has also been mistaken.

Prayer, in essence, means a
relationship of mutual attraction between a righteous
person and his Lord. This means that God’s grace
first draws a person towards Himself, and then,
through the magnetism of the person’s sincerity, God
draws closer to him. In the state of prayer this
relationship reaches a point where it manifests
wonderful qualities. When a man in grave difficulty
falls down in prayer with perfect certainty, perfect
hope, perfect fidelity, and perfect resolve; and when
he becomes perfectly alert and advances far into the
field of self-annihilation, tearing aside all veils of
heedlessness, lo and behold, he finds before him the
Divine threshold, and he perceives that God has no
associate. His soul then prostrates itself at the Divine
threshold and the power of attraction that is invested
in him draws the bounties of God Almighty towards
him.

It is then that the Glorious God attends to the
fulfilment of the desired objective, and casts the effect
of the prayer on all the preliminary means, which, in
turn, produce the means that are essential for the
achievement of the objective. For example, if the
prayer is for rain and it is accepted, all the natural
means which are necessary for causing rain are
created as a result of the prayer. If the prayer is for
famine, the All-Powerful One creates the opposite
means. And this is why the eminent recipients of
revelation and men of perfection have proven with
their extraordinary experiences that the prayers of a
perfect one are endowed with a power of creation.

That is to say, under Divine command, prayer
influences the lower and higher strata of the world
and sways the elements, heavenly bodies, and hearts
of men towards the desired objective. There is no
shortage of such examples in Divine scriptures. In
fact, some kinds of miracles are also the result of the
acceptance of prayer. Prayer is the source of the
thousands of miracles shown by Prophets as well as
the marvels that have been displayed by the saints to
this day. And, more often than not, it is through
prayers that the supernatural signs of Divine
Omnipotence are manifested.
28
http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Bl … Prayer.pdf
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thirdmilleniumposted 14 years ago
Whether you pray or not, God will decide what to give you and what not. Your prayers do not have anything to do with what gives you
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anime_nanetposted 14 years ago
Because you're praying to a false god
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Anamika Sposted 14 years ago
An unanswered Prayer means lack of belief that the Prayer would be answered. Utilize the power of the subconscious mind and believe that your Prayer would be answered, you would soon be able to see positive things happening.
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xixi12posted 14 years ago
For me unanswered prayer means something bigger coming my way soon. God knows what is good for us and gives us something even bigger than what we asked for.
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Dim Flaxenwickposted 14 years ago
I´ve always believed that all prayers are answered, but sometimes the answer is ¨NO
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earnestshubposted 14 years ago
And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-13 NAB)

Jesus lie didn't he?

He also told you ya could literally move a mountain into the sea too.
Biggest bullduster since his old man with the fire and brimstone!
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lefty77posted 14 years ago
Gods ways are not our ways and a thousand years to us is but one day to the Lord, Cannot quote the scrip.Life is a journey, not a destination and I believe that we are being prepared for the next level of that journey.
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earnestshubposted 14 years ago
Prayers are fairy wishes.

No fairies, so no answer.

Simple really.
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paarsurreyposted 14 years ago
More from the Promised Messiah on the above topic:

There are times when
saints and Prophetsas consider it disrespectful to pray
for a certain thing. At such times, the sages have
acted upon the dictates of their hearts; which means
that when they were confronted with a trial they
would pray if their heart’s dictate was to pray, but if it
called for endurance they would endure and refrain
from prayer. Besides, God Almighty has never
promised to accept all prayers, but has said clearly
that He will accept or reject prayers as He desires.
The following verse clearly states this point:

Nay, but on Him alone will you call; then will He remove that which you call on Him to remove, if He please.—Al-An‘am, 6:42

Even if we condescend to accept that in this context
the word 'Pray' refers to prayer in general, we will
have to affirm that the prayer referred to here is that
which complies with all the necessary conditions; and
we know that it is not in the power of man to meet all
these conditions by himself unless he is helped by
God.

One should also remember that humility and
anguish alone is not enough for prayer to be accepted,
for it also requires righteousness, purity, truthfulness,
perfect certainty, perfect love and perfect attention.
Moreover, it is also essential that the object prayed
for should not be opposed to the Divine scheme of
things and should not be against the welfare of the
supplicant, or the one on whose behalf he prays, both
in this world and the hereafter.

It often happens that
although all other conditions have been fulfilled, the
object prayed for happens to be against the Divine
scheme of things with regard to the supplicant, and no
good can come of granting such a prayer. For example, if a dear child of a mother should cry and
beg her to hand it a burning brand or a snake, or to
feed it a poison which seems agreeable, the mother
would never fulfil such a wish. Were she to do so, and
even if the child were to escape with its life and were
to lose one of its limbs, it would certainly grow up
with a strong grievance against the foolish mother.

33
http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Bl … Prayer.pdf
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rocketjsquposted 14 years ago
O.K., so I've read through the entire thread. I've seen the answer woven into several replies. So forgive me for repeating it again in simple format.

There are no unanswered prayers. God answers every one of them. He hears them all, and answers them all.

If the answer to your prayer request is no, then it will appear God is not answering you. However, in reality He is answering your prayer, just not in the way that you're expecting it.

In reference to the posts regarding the starving children. In a fairytale land that many have referred to it would be unjust to not answer a request to feed all the starving children around the planet. Unfortunately, to wave a magic wand and "poof!", food for everyone would not solve the problem of starvation.

"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

So if God is so perfect and so powerful, why not create a perfect world in the first place?

He did!!!

He also gave mankind the right to choose. A simple choice, choose to obey Him, or not.

Unfortunately the wrong choice was made and we have been suffering the consequences ever since.

Starvation in the Sudan or Cambodia did not just happen at the snap of someones fingers. It has evolved into a tragic condition through a series of choices made by a host of different individuals.

God is not to blame for these conditions. It is by freewill, the will to follow a poor leader, or the will to gradually allow your freedoms to be eroded into slavery, that have brought these conditions upon mankind.

God answers every prayer. The answer, although it may seem to be in conflict with our understanding of God's plan, will always be for the greater good. God operates on a much broader perspective than what we can see from our limited viewpoint. He knows the end from the beginning.
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  pisean282311posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  well do you think affluent countries are following god and so are affluent ?..well world politics doesnot run that way and it is collective responsibility of human race ...and if we go by your answers..we choosed to see people starve and turn blind eye to it..now i dont know how god would judge that?
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  rocketjsquposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  As far as affluent countries are concerned, they may be or they may not be following God. God is a rewarder of obedience, but not necessarily through affluence. I agree that humanitarian effort is a collective responsibility of all nations. Because people are starving does not mean anyone turned a blind eye to it and just let it happen. If you teach someone how to fish, it does not necessarily mean that they will use those skills. Humanitarian supplies pour into starving nations all the time. Many times it is the government, war, criminals, or just plain greed that prevents those supplies from reaching those who are in need. God ultimately judges our heart or in other words by what motivates us to do something or believe something. If you feel you are doing the best you can, He will judge you accordingly.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Ah, here we go again with the contrived and fabricated excuses to support a belief system. Absolutely shameful.
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  rocketjsquposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'm sorry, you lost me. What contrived and fabricated excuses are you talking about? Please explain.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  SO - the result is exactly the same as if there were no god and no answer. But of course that nothing is not so attractive or as lucrative as the version where a god does all that and it is exactly the same as doing nothing.
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  rocketjsquposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  If your child asks you for a cookie, and your answer is no, do you cease to exist?
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  If the starving pray for a morsel of food, and the answer is no, then yes, they do cease to exist.
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  rocketjsquposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Let me rephrase my question:
  If a child asks his/her mother for a cookie, and the mothers answer is no, does the mother cease to exist?
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  exorterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  that is good rocketjsqu
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No, she does not.
  
  But, when starving children pray for food and god says, "NO" the starving child most certainly ceases to exist, they die.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  never mind the mystical cookie - answer the question.
  
  The RESULT of how you describe your god answering some and refusing others is exactly the same RESULT as no god and random answers.
  
  So the whole thing is in your imagination.
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  rocketjsquposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  First of all, let me clarify, God answers them all. He just answers the same question from different people with a different answer. No two people have ever lived the exact same life experiences. Therefore, no two people have the exact same thoughts or character. God answers them differently because he knows their heart. He does not just look at their current external circumstances to determine His answer. He knows every decision they have ever made. He knows what they believe in, what they put their trust in, and what thought processes they use to make their choices in life. From Gods perspective it is not random answers.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The starving always get a NO! for an answer. Why is that?
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  rocketjsquposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It has been my experience that the starving do not "always" get a no for an answer. Are there people who are starving, and do some of those people die because of a lack of food? Yes. Do I know whether they ever even asked God to help them? No. If they did ask, did they sincerely believe in their heart that He would help them? I guess that question can only be answered by the person asking it!
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Projection is a very powerful thing. You think of children starving when it is you depriving yourself of sustenance all along.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Their deaths from starvation would be evidence that you're wrong.
  
  They are Christians who believe in prayers, too.
  
  That's a perfect example of what I was referring to earlier of contrived excuses to support a belief system. Shameful.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Amen, that said all that needs to be said.
  
  Thank you.
  
  John
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well, he answers the prayers of those who want to send their kids to Disneyland, but he doesn't answers the prayers of tens of thousands of starving children.
  
  So, it would appear that you are entirely wrong.
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  srwnsonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  God created a paradise for his children in which there was no hunger, disease. God gave man a choice and he ruined it for himself and his decendants. "Why God won't you answer the questions asked by non-believers." The answer is simply IMO. You don't believe, therefore answer the question for yourself. Have you seen these thousands of starving children sir? Or, do you only see reports. If you have seen the starving and done nothing, being the enlightened individual you claim to be, then you will have helped as best you could. If you haven't seen them, then you really don't know what is causing there starvation. This is the way evil manipulates. Lay the blame on God and forget evil.
  
  God bless those who pray for blessing.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The cruelty of Christian beliefs has no boundaries and is completely devoid of any compassion whatsoever. Shameful.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Sounds like you are quoting from some double speak political slogans handbook you picked up in China.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Actually, I'm just looking at the responses from believers here.
  
  Here's the crux of their belief system:
  
  Day 1
  
  Starving child #1: "Dear God, please provide me a morsel of food."
  God: "NO! You will die of starvation today."
  
  Starving child #2: "Dear God, please provide me a morsel of food."
  God: "NO! You will die of starvation today."
  
  Starving child #3: "Dear God, please provide me a morsel of food."
  God: "NO! You will die of starvation today."
  
  Starving child #17,000: "Dear God, please provide me a morsel of food."
  God: "NO! You will die of starvation today."
  
  Day 2
  
  Starving child #1: "Dear God, please provide me a morsel of food."
  God: "NO! You will die of starvation today."
  
  Starving child #2: "Dear God, please provide me a morsel of food."
  God: "NO! You will die of starvation today."
  
  Starving child #3: "Dear God, please provide me a morsel of food."
  God: "NO! You will die of starvation today."
  
  Starving child #17,000: "Dear God, please provide me a morsel of food."
  God: "NO! You will die of starvation today."
  
  Day 3 and every day thereafter... "NO! You will all die of starvation today."
  
  Good Christian Mother: "Dear God, please send my daughter to Disneyland."
  God: "DONE!"
  
  Sound familiar, aquasilver?
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Boringly familiar, it's your mantra and bleat for the day, every day, and as we now see, all it actually is, for those who use it, is a goading point.
  
  One which has been answered many times, yet still you try to catch a fish with your smelly bait.
  
  Now tell me what YOU have done for a starving child today.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Celia, my post was aimed at 'Einstein' not you, but I'm glad you fed someone today and have a good 'resonance', as I do normally, mine comes from the Peace of the Lord (which surpasses all understanding) and an infusion of the Holy Spirit.
  
  It does get disrupted at times when the atheist tag team get busy, but your post served as a timely reminder that He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world.
  
  Keep resonating!
  
  John
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Oh, I misread it..I deleted the post as soon as I realized. But I do mean that.
  
  If you can recognize wisdom, you'll see it everywhere. You cannot recognize something you don't know. (by You i mean everyone)
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, I can see how the beliefs of believers are fighting back to repress the sheer guilt their consciences are trying to relay to them.
  
  There are no answers to that question you or any other believer here have honestly provided that hasn't resulted in another contradiction.
  
  I keep praying to your god to feed the starving, but he keeps sending kids to Disneyland and feeding you, instead.
  
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Q, get a burger. Fill that belly.
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  aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No guilt relayed, the world feels guilt, believers feel convicted by God, not bleating man.
  
  Apart from praying to a god you deny exists, WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU DONE for the starving children, except use them as a pawn in your deception?
  
  ...and I suspect you were lying about praying also.
  
  Did you REALLY pray, in submission to God?
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The question here is, what is your god doing about the starving and why does he answer prayers to send kids to Disneyland, instead?
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  srwnsonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  While I take my 10 and have a chance to visit hubpages I find you still asking this same question although it has been answered for you numerous times. Why send kids to disneyland instead, ridiculous he can do both. He has his reasons.
  
  Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this message is for you.
  
  Now you’ve heard many non-believers here on hubpages ask the question, “Why doesn’t God answer everyone's prayers and prevent suffering in the world?” Let’s address that.
  
  God allowed Satan to test Job’s devotion to God. God allowed Satan to bring forth much suffering on his children his servants and himself Job 2:7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord and said, from going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down it.
  
  I think this verse and several like it in the story of Job is very telling. Satan walks among the nations of the world seeking to destroy believers faith in God and he uses mortals as the tool to do it possibly without their even knowing it. Job 1:17 While he was speaking, there came also another and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands and fell upon the camels and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
  
  In this verse, the Chaldeans were agents of suffering, were they evil? It’s difficult to judge, probably not. They were simply a Semitic people trying to survive in the ancient world. We do know that the most famous of their kings was Nebuchadnezzar II, who rebuilt Babylon. Eventually they made great progress in science-particularly astronomy and mathematics-and strongly influenced the Greeks.
  
  We know from the bible that Job was a wealthy man because of God’s blessings. Perhaps the loot stolen from Job had a profound effect on their society. Speculation on my part, but the point is we don’t know how the suffering of others may/may not influence the outcome of God’s plan.
  
  Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
  
  If only people today had that kind of faith! When you blame God for the sins of the world giving mortals and Satan a free pass -well, how does this verse say Job didn’t charge God?
  
  Job suffers and in Job chapter 30 verse 20 he begins to question Gods reasoning just as many non-believers do today. Job 30:20 I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not. Job 30:21 Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposet thyself against me.
  
  He laments for several more verses. Then the Lord does the strangest thing, with all of Job’s older and wiser friends who cannot answer, The Lord answers through a young man, Job 32:6,7,8, Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are old; wherefore I was afraid and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, days should speak and multitude of years should teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man:(see verse 18, the spirit within Elihu) and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
  
  God speaks to Job and describes the wonders of the universe that he created. He explained to Job that there were reasons for everything he did that he need not explain to foolish people who would ask God “why?”
  
  Job 40:2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. In other words, if you are arrogant enough to hold yourself up to having the knowledge of God and his workings, then you should have the wisdom to answer the question for yourself.
  
  Blessings to those who pray for them.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Whatever reasons he has have not been addressed. Any reasoning that has been offered is no less a contradiction than the question. I understand that no amount of common sense is going to sway the believer into admitting their gods don't answer prayers, if he even existed.
  
  But, you say he has reasons to not feed and allow to starve to death every day while sending kids to Disneyland. Let's hear them?
  
  Ah yes, the reasoning is that we are foolish to question a god whose interests in Disneyland far outweighs any considerations for the plight of innocent children who die agonizing deaths.
  
  Shameful.
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  srwnsonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No sir by all means question, seek answers, pray if you truly wish to know more about God. But why ask those who believe Gods reasons are his own and not for us to know. Is it to more for self gratification in your view that God doesn't exist? If God sends a poor child to Disneyland because that child has never seen happiness you think God is evil. It's hard to imagine the plight of children who die of starvation, but to say God should only answers prayers that you feel are important is egocentric.
  
  God Bless those who pray for blessing.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  If you and your god feel that sending kids to Disneyland is far more important than allowing starving children to die, that is your prerogative, and his.
  
  It is obvious your god has his priorities warped and twisted, but we shouldn't question him in his infinite wisdom.
  
  Let's all watch as he refuses to feed many tens of thousands of children today who will die, and see what prayer will be answered as a result.
  
  Maybe it won't be a trip to Disneyland today, but I'm sure he'll come up with something equally deserving.
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  srwnsonposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I did not say I feel it's more important sir, you read that in my words because you have chosen to brand me as an unfeeling cad because of my belief. In fact people in my profession help feed people everyday, risking our lives to do so. I have been for the last 29 years. I'm sorry for the starving and don't have an answer that will satisfy the bitterness you feel towards those like me. Good day to you sir.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It is your own words that speak for themselves. They brand you, not me.
  
  Yes, I know you have no answers to the question posed that would not help to justify your belief system. That is exactly the problem.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  it's always those who do not actually feed the starving that have beef over the starving.
  
  It's not a problem of supply. It's a problem of education. Most people do not know basic economics and are not empowered enough to sustain a living or teach their children how to do this. It is an effort that requires heroic dedication and foresight.
  
  You really have to start with a sample group, educate them on economics and plot their progress. It requires dedication and science to fix poverty...but well it's easier to just stuff food in people's mouths, even easier to say there is no god because there are poor people.
  
  narrow narrow narrow thinking. a lot of people here need to get out there to get informed.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Exactly. The educating of believers would be a good start. That way, when a contradiction is presented to them, they actually recognize and acknowledge it.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  it includes everybody in certain zones of the world regardless of ethnicity and religious affiliation. stupidity is an equal opportunity, no need to be bigoted about it. But then what is obvious to most people has to be explained to you. You better be good-looking because my dear lord you need a saving grace.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  So, what you're suggesting is that the starving are too stupid to understand the explanations of the believers here when their prayers to go to Disneyland are answered but the prayers of the starving are not?
  
  Those would be the people who are unable to recognize or acknowledge a contradiction in order to defend their faith.
  
  Yes, like the other believers, you feel it necessary to insult me personally when you're unable to form an argument.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well my dear, poverty is a matter of ignorance that is passed on from parent to child. Although not all poor people are ignorant, most of them are ignorant of their own power and that makes poor choices...stupid choices.
  
  Although it is impossible sometimes to make the right choices when you are already deep in poverty, it does help when someone or an institution intervenes and educate you on your options. After you're educated, then whether you learn from that are not is already a matter of choice. Sometimes the attitude towards self-sufficiency is so compromised in a person's upbringing and lack of exposure that a change is impossible. It really is a matter of reaching out to children and educating them.
  
  The problem is not people's religions. It is ignorance. It is always ignorance. Your hate campaign will not solve any problems nor gain you my high esteem.
  
  Generalizing people by virtue of their belief is bigotry and persecution. If you think me wishing you good-looking for a saving grace is insult, you should read the stuff you write about people who go to church. Don't expect respect when you so willingly disrespect groups of people you don't know.
  
  History has a long list of tyrannical over-generalizations like this. Hitler, Pol Pot and Bush have the same ideas as you.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Appalling and shameful. Let's not blame god, let's blame the starving for their plight. Let's blame me for pointing out the contradictions of believers and liken it the ideas of Hitler, et al. Sad indeed the need to defend ones gods no matter what the cost. Very shameful.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  so lets blame god and not ourselves...wow that's not shameful at all. who's the believer now? lol! I really hope you have something going for you...like maybe rippling muscles or the face of zac efron. really.
  
  hate campaigns just inspire hate, not solution.
  
  get yourself informed. go out there are try to get in the middle of poverty so you know what you're talking about. get in there and try to solve it with your own resources and see whether you don't land in the same conclusion. Poverty is a social ill that needs to be cured.
  
  Perpetuating victim mentality and blame, when you yourself can help and do not and then blaming a group of people for it is BIGOTRY. Your statements are shameful because you have no clarity.
  
  You are disgruntled believer who blame an archetypal concept for the woes of the world.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  A lack of an intelligent response on your part will still be taken as a response, notwithstanding.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  How very shameful to consider the question of answered prayers as a hate campaign and bigotry. How very sad it is to see what religions do to people and how cruel they become defending their gods. Appalling to say the least.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  people who have no religions do that too. It is more basic than a desire to worship a higher being for whatever reason.
  
  Clarity my dear...you blame the existence of religion for the world's ills. Take it away and it will reemerge in some other form. Have you ever lived in Vietnam. People there have no religion and yet, they have the same problems. The culture is different but the societal ills are the same.
  
  Is Vietnam free of poverty? NO. Is everybody fed and clothed? No.
  
  So, don't go about cutting and pasting my response and calling logic shameful. But then again, I have to admit there are limits to what you are capable of perceiving, Q.
  
  So whatever the bad people who go to church did to you, just remember there are bad people everywhere and most often than not, they don't go to church. All the negative things you ascribe to religion and religious people can be observed in politics, in an insistence to the old way, the way it has always been.
  
  the problem is people do not want to think. They just want to blame.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Worshiping "higher beings" makes no sense whatsoever and only does more harm than good.
  
  What other form would that be? Please explain yourself rather than just making an empty claim.
  
  Clearly, you are fabricating lies about religions in Vietnam.
  
  It is shameful to put mildly, aquasilver.
  
  In other words, you agree with me in that religions have dominated every aspect of our lives for centuries, including politics and "the way it has always been."
  
  Yes, I agree, people don't want to think. Funny how that usually isn't the case with non-believers.
  
  Of course, when there is blame due, then it is due, nonetheless.
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I think you are on the wrong tack here CCBtran. I would say you are absolutely right that poverty is a social desease, but it has a global cause and being 'in' the effect is as useless as taking cold remedies in the long term. The developed countries got that way by riding the backs of the now 'poor' nations, the poor nations are kept that way so that the rich nations can maintain their standards of living through trade sanctions and advantages hypocritically cloaked as 'free' trade..
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  you should have one day becoming president...see if the solution is to just give everybody food and no one goes to disneyland.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That's so clever. Did you work on that response all day?
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  really, you thought that was clever?
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  LOL!
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Sounds like I hate WASPS mantra.
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  pisean282311posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  now you can't believe report from who and un but believe in something written thousand of years ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...starving is real my friend...in same way slavery was real...in same way witch hunting was ...many lives have been lost and history is full of that ..and no god could do anything about it...perhaps god didnt wanted to or god is not real...any god with little bit of compassion would spare kids atleast...if HE doesnot , there are two possibilities...one HE doesnot exist...two He doesnot care...we can create number of other possibilities which suits our faith but it wont change actual reality....
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  paarsurreyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I agree with the above
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  paarsurreyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I agree with you on the above point
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Bill Manningposted 14 years ago
When I was young and naive I prayed for hot babes and got a nymphomaniac for a year. So yes god does answer prayers!
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Disturbiaposted 14 years ago
I would pray for some relief from the headache reading all these posts has given me, but instead I'm just going to take some aspirin... That is how God has answered the prayers in my world, he has given me the intelligence to know how to fix my problems.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Glad to you hear "your world. " is coming along swimmingly.
  
  Now, if only your god could do a bit more giving to other worlds that require a bit more than just aspirin.
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ceciliabeltranposted 14 years ago
(usually if it's 10 pages, there's is more bickering than discussions going on.)

BUT how do "I" explain the unanswered prayer?

I explain it like this.

It is all about resonance.

If you pray and pray hard and know deep inside you are asking for a miracle then no miracle would place. The sheer awareness of the impossibility of what you are asking is already your answer.

However, let me just tell you of a faith healer who when he heals does not even ask anything but declares in full confidence:

It is done, it is done. Yes it is done. Then just as he declared it, the tumor melts, the pain ceases. it was a miracle. But to the healer, it was not. It was inevitable.

Or someone who knows the money will come because it always does and goes about preparing a way for it to arrive, like for instance: opening a bank account, looking around for investments, getting all the necessary papers ready for the eventual purchase. These are the guys who invite it into their reality. They are the ones who make the miracles happen. To the onlookers it was a miracle to that person, it was meant to be.

Certainty not faith. Certainty that when there is a need, and you are open the universe will fill it.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Starvation is a certainty, in fact, you can't get any more certain than dying from it.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Q, starvation exists because there was no recognition of abundance. The fear of lack is what caused starvation.
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ceciliabeltranposted 14 years ago
The Kabbalah teaches this as the way to receive. Kabbalah is "To receive" Take note, not in any way does it say ask G-d and if G-d wills it. It is not dependent on G-d's will, it is dependent on what you attract with your state of mind. It is the resonance that makes the difference.

" In order to bring the supernal oil, one must put a smidgen of oil on his jar in order to invite the fullness"

IN other words, be the answer to your prayer and you will invite the rest to expand exponentially. If you want a million dollars in the bank, first put a hundred. If you want a job, first work. Is it wealth you want? Observe how abundant your life is, how easy it is for you to get paid. Observe it. Validate it.

Is it healing? Observe the minute signs of progress and that will expand.

Are you in denial that your lover does not love you and loves another. Love yourself and that love will extend towards others inviting one who will love you to come.

Prayer is a declaration of what you are open to experiencing, it should not be a request. If it is a request, then you already sentenced that thing to be outside of you and outside your capacity to receive.

The idea is G-d put the desire in you, because the fullness is already in the realm of possibility. It is only up to you to open up to the experience of its polar opposite.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The starving have observed their lack of abundance in the face of reality and not in the prayers of a god.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  once again, you fail to get the point.
  
  The idea is that if you are certain that there is a way to get to point B from point A, you will find it, versus begging the ether for the answer.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The starving don't get your point either, and never will.
  
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  And that is the problem. Poverty is a state of mind that must be addressed. People have to be taught the attitude of abundance.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Poverty is the state of having nothing to eat. But, feel free to tell the starving they need to change their attitude and state of mind. I'm sure they'll appreciate it.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You are always missing the root.
  
  The fractal of the complexity and hence failing to see my point altogether.
  
  The starvation that existed in Africa and in the place of you ancestral roots iS CAUSED primarily by the belief in lack.
  
  "We are the world" foundation did not create sustainable source of food because they gave food but taught them that food comes from outside and not generated,
  
  The richest nations of the world have poor natural resources. The wealthy nations created abundance from nothing, whereas natural resources-rich countries have starving people.
  
  Ever wonder why. The belief is different. Those from poor nations have learned that it is the environment that feeds them whereas wealthy nations rely on their own abilities to till the soil and make it work.
  
  It is an attitude of abundance that feeds, it is the resonance.
  
  The certainty that when I give to myself the world joins me .
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  mythbusterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Nicely said, celiabeltran.
  
  We act on what we believe... if we believe in lack we don't look around to see our resources, then we go outside our area to get resources, we create debt, etc.
  
  If we are able to view our resources and use them appropriately and mindfully, we usually find a wealth of resources.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  why, thanks mythbuster.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Christian cruelty prevails.
  
  Yes, you have made it clear the starving need an attitude adjustment, and not food.
  
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  are you from highschool or something?
  
  Do you not know THE WEALTH OF NATIONS?
  
  think root cause.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Childish insults in place of reasoned argument.
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  the starving may well indeed need an attitude adjustment but the parents, not the children. In these poor starving, under developed third world nations that practice voodoo, witchcraft, worship elephants and cows, believe in re-incarnation and generally on mass, follow false gods, does it not surprise you that in north america, a CHRISTIAN, nation that we are blessed? Do you wonder why they are underdeveloped? (if you can see development as a blessing of God). Can you not see how God has blessed His nations? Indeed it is a principle of God; all of Gods ways are blessings! the blessings are unavoidable. As america turns away from God unto their own ways Gods blessings will be made null and void of effect and we will see travail happen to the once blessed nation of america as well.
  But to those that follow not the way of God their ways are fraught with travail. There are christian organizations in africa trying to bring people to Gods ways so they can partake of the blessings of God! These children are being blessed but not outside of Gods ways.
  Therefore did i say before God is the laminin of all things, that keeps all things together, the constant principle behind the laws of nature.
  siranddipity said it well when he said How will God get the credit for these followers of false gods if He grants their prayers for food and sprouts a garden in the middle of a desert? to feed them. They will indeed think their garden came from their false gods and then in fact would God be distributing a lie.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Absolutely unbelievable that you can write such things. Appalling to say the least.
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evvy_09posted 14 years ago
I know I've prayed for a lot of stuff. They usually don't get answered in the way I wanted them to. But looking back I realized that it worked out better that I didn't get what I thought I wanted. Every hardship I've undergone has made me stronger and I truly feel like I'm meant for something or to do something. Probally something little but still I know that I will find my path soon. This is just my own little experience, I know the world is a tragic place, but I do believe that there is a reason for it all. For every tight spot I've been in there has always been a way out shown to me when I was ready to take it. Maybe I've just been lucky but I don't think so.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The hardship of starvation does not bring strength, but only an agonizing death.
  
  What possible reasoning is there for the prayers of believers to send their kids to Disneyland get answered while prayers for a morsel of food are not?
  
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Q, different name but same concern. Get a burger.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Oh I see, you suspect that only one person here could possibly see the hypocrisy and contradictions of believers.
  
  Okay, aquasilver, different name but same hypocrisy. LOL!
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  i must admit that is funny See Q, I've always know the SNL would sneak out of you.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No problem, aquasilver. Any time.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  As I have always said...you should really do a script in between burger bites.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  you see lack, you create lack
  
  you see randomness, randomness prevails.
  
  Well I suppose the face should explain you stopped thinking past the determinist era.
  
  Try quantum mechanics, maybe you'll get the gist.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The only I see is hypocrisy, contradiction and cruelty from those who have much against those who have nothing.
  
  Yes, I'm sure quantum mechanics will help your god to get going on feeding the starving. Or, not.
  
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You are not getting it.
  
  There is always a root to a great problem and it starts with a thought, a distortion of belief.
  
  You can judge me as having much and so I am ignorant to the plight of the poor if makes you feel better. But you also have to realize that outside of this forum, you don't know who I am or where I came from or what I do.
  
  The fact is, I have tried to fill in the gaps of poverty and you know what...they are still poor no matter what I do. It was years back that I realized that poverty is really a case of orientation.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Prayers must then also be a case of orientation, or disorientation, depending on who is praying for what.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yes, many people do not understand what prayers are or what they really do.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  And you do? Why don't you educate them, then?
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  hanging outposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  we would have to educate them to believe in the God of the bible because that is where blessings come from. Look at north america, blessed huh. Look at the cow worshiping middle east, the voodoo practicing africa, etc.. all false gods, all not blessed. China.. not blessed.
  coincidence
  i think not
  God always cares more for his own. Sure you will feed a stranger but more readily your own, but you will not feed a stranger for very long. Your own you will keep and feed and nurture, but a stranger will have to go his way after a while or be adopted but adoption comes with a price, acceptance and goodwill.
  Point the finger and rave all you want but God did solve all mans problems at one time, the garden and man walked away. Like people do today.. believe in God we say, and they say no thanks.. God says, well live outside the garden then.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  No, the starving are Christians, but I would hesitate to say they are just like you.
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  evvy_09posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I'm only talking about my personal experience. I know my hardships are really nothing compared to so many others. But I have had months of just being grateful to have a friends floor to sleep on. The only thing they asked in return is if I ever had the oppurtunity to help someone who was in the same situation to do so without hesitation. I have done so and will never forget them. But still small hardships and I know that. I have come far and will go further still because I believe I will.
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  IntimatEvolutionposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It really doesn't matter what the hardship was, especially if it was something that caused you great personal turmoil. It is just as grave or dire as the next persons hardship is/was; be that starvation or a broken leg. Don't sell yourself short, or the experiences that you have been through. Surviving builds character.
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Sirajyposted 14 years ago
Good relationship with friends and family make a person really happy in life. Strong belief upon God also help us to combat many boring things. Since we believe that when we pray to God then he monitors our activities and hears our smallest sound so we express freely our agony to him as a result mind become free from those agony. You can test it with your friend. Though your friend may be bored about you but not God. So be free with your God.It will increases your confidence too.
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paarsurreyposted 14 years ago
The Promised Messiah elaborates the subject further:

http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Bl … Prayer.pdf

There are, in addition, many other conditions in the
absence of which a prayer is not worth its name. So
long as a prayer is not inspired by full spirituality and
a close connection is not established between the
supplicant and the person on whose behalf the
supplication is made, there is little hope that such a
prayer will be accepted. Unless there is a Divine will
to accept the prayer all these conditions remain
unfulfilled and the faculties remain devoid of
complete attention.

Sayyid Sahib also accepts that the good fortune, the
bounties, the delights and comforts of the hereafter,
which constitute salvation, are the result of faith and
sincere prayers. This being so, Sayyid Sahib is left
with no alternative but to acknowledge that the
prayers of a believer do have an effect and do become
the means of dispelling calamities and of the achievement
of objectives. If this were not so how would

prayer be of any help on the Day of Judgement?
Think and reflect carefully, if prayer is indeed a vain
thing and cannot be a means for the removal of any
calamity in present life, then how will it become the
means for doing the same on the Day of
Resurrection?

It is only too clear that if our prayers
truly possess the quality of safeguarding us against
calamities, then this quality should manifest itself in
this world also, so that our faith and our hope may be
strengthened and we may pray even more earnestly
for our salvation in the hereafter. But if prayer
amounts to nothing and that which has been
predestined is bound to happen, then just as prayer is
useless for the tribulations of this world—according
to Sayyid Sahib—it should also be useless to pin any
hopes on it in the hereafter.

I do not wish to elaborate upon this subject,
because all fair-minded readers who study my
exposition carefully will understand that I have given
sufficient evidence to prove how completely Sayyid
Sahib is mistaken in his belief. If Sayyid Sahib still
does not abandon his obstinacy, I will give him an
alternative which will take the matter to its
conclusion. If he is a true seeker after truth, he will
surely not back away.

Sayyid Sahib’s other book, Tahrir fi Usulit Tafsir12
stands in complete contrast to the first. It would seem
that Sayyid Sahib had written these books in a
delirium. In his book which deals with the acceptance
of prayers, Sayyid Sahib gives precedence to Taqdir
[Predestination] and considers natural means to be
useless, and it is on this ground that he goes on to deny
that prayers are ever accepted, whereas the fact is that
prayer is one of the natural means about which more
than one hundred thousand Prophets and tens of
millions of saints have given their testimonies.13 What
else did the Prophets possess, but prayer!
35
http://www.alislam.org/library/books/Bl … Prayer.pdf
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Jim Hunterposted 14 years ago
"That isn't what the Christians here claim, they claim their god provides them with more than just money. You'll need to take that issue up with the believers who make those claims."

I don't care what they believe either so no, I don't have to take it up with them.

"No, it's up to god."

So you left it in Gods hands?

How compassionate
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amorea13posted 14 years ago
I guess the 'religionists' would say it is 'God's Will' - I'm more inclined to think that it is 'personal will'; the free-will each one of us has to make our own decisions about who we are and what we choose. And no, that does NOT mean I don't think there is a 'god' - I am perhaps saying that WE - each of us - are far, far more powerful than we (or others!) give ourselves credit for
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I totally agree, so there is no reason to hate the idea of G-d and prayer because well...of the hungry children of the world and the rich WASPS who get to go to disney.
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  Druid Dudeposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  According to Stephen Hawking, free will is an illusion. If cause and effect are true, then free will cannot be. We are pushed along by events and occurrences which tend to make us choose paths according to those events and occurrences, regardless of our "free will". As for prayer. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Sounds kinda like goal visualization, but offhand, if god is out there, then I suppose that knowing why some are answered and some are not is HIS business.
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  paarsurreyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  What the Atheists Skeptics and Atheists say about it? Please
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  alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Of course we all have free will. The cause and effect is apparent over the whole mass not the individual - but we are all in the same fast flowing stream of time and life and so we are already moving strongly in one direction before we make any move of our own free will. Like a leaf on a flooding river we can twist and turn and move about but time and space will hardly notice.
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cindyvineposted 14 years ago
Even God has to have a snooze, maybe He was sleeping when those prayers went through.
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  imperial_hanposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  God does not sleep...
  prayer is communication with God, between yourself,
  Sometime what make us feel that our prayer wish deserved to listen, or answered? When we are not helping ourself, when we announce that we have faith to God, but we doubt with ourself...
  
  Why we like to complain when something is not going right, and complain when we did not get what we pray for,
  then ...plenty of theory comes up... plenty of comment, when things is God has given us brain and friends, virtue, idea, knowledege, and other so many...that we can work on ourself for the things that we pray for.......
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  Troy C.posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  . The answer just was'nt what you were looking for. It's like when a child asks his parent for somethig. A good parent knows if it good or bad in the long run and makes a decision based on that.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  sure, G-d's human. whatev.
  reply report

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