• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

  • CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.

Books You or I May Want to Read

Y'all gotta check Against Heresies by Irenaeus of Lyons

Here's a budget option from a Public Domain Translation & collects all 5 books into 1
Against Heresies

Alternatively if you want a modern translation the team at Paulist Press has the best one albeit quite expensive & the books are sold individually with the exception of Books 4 & 5 which are sold together as 1 book

Book 1
55. St. Irenaeus of Lyons - Rev Walter J. Burghardt SJP, Dominic J. Unger : PaulistPress
Book 2
65. St. Irenaeus of Lyons - John J. Dillon, PhD, Dominic J. Unger : PaulistPress
Book 3
64. St. Irenaeus of Lyons - Matthew C. Steenberg : PaulistPress
Books 4 & 5
72. St. Irenaeus of Lyons - John J. Dillon, PhD, Scott D Moringiello : PaulistPress

I highly recommend reading as it provides context about the early church before the 1st council of Nicaea.
Upvote 0

Swatting Trolls v. Encouraging Saints—Who Wins When Threads Go Sideways?

Which shouldn't be a problem, right? I feel we should debate secular society with our Christian ethics and morality. It might not influence the secular person who posted the trolling topic but it gives the third parties reading the posts something to think about. Possibly they may find that Christians and Christianity's ethics and morality (which come from God) have alot to offer the world. I follow alot of your posts and I feel God is influencing me through some of those posts. I appreciate that alot (don't mind the word "alot" being misspelled, it's one of those Mandela effects - I swear it was spelled that way in another parallel universe :wave: ).
I’m with you—polite, public debate is worth it, not to win the troll but to leave bread-crumbs for the silent third-parties who later DM, “I never knew Christians thought like that.”
If grace stays on the keyboard, the Spirit can use even our push-backs to chip away at someone’s never-considered-that wall.
Keep planting those breadcrumbs—you never know which lurker will pick one up and hunger for more.

And hey, I reckon NZ is that parallel universe—down there we glue our vowels together like “alot,” “sweet-as,” and “yeah-nah.”
So if ‘alot’ ever looked right to you, it’s just the Kiwi-spell-checker you may have come across once. Keeps things real for sure.
Upvote 0

Minnesota is drowning in fraud.

Doesn't. 3 dimes are still nearly worth a quarter.
No, they're worth more.
Oh really? Not according to your next post.

But by your parameters you can't call someone an insider trader unless they were convicted or prosecuted because we can't read minds. But you still call Martha stewart an insider trader even though she wasn't convicted or prosecuted.
We're splitting hairs here, I think. I was refuting your claim that it would be difficult to prosecute a public figure like Pelosi, by pointing out that Stewart was prosecuted. It was a related crime, at least.
Just not Pelosi, since you like Pelosi.
Thats an interesting assumption.
Which means you are inconsistent with your labels and therefore concede the argument
Sounds like we both misremembered the specific crime she was convicted of, but it was in the ballpark. Your claim stands refuted though.
Upvote 0

DHS confirms arrest of Afghan man in Texas after bomb threat video surfaces online

You are attempting to distract away from the topic with whataboutisms. That is a red herring.
Try reading the thread again, buddy. It was the OP, in post #3, who posted two links entirely unrelated to the events of post #1. I was responding to part of his post #3. If you think that subject is off-topic, take it up with him.
Upvote 0

The NEA is pushing far left teaching upon children

you go ahead and be you.

Just remember: EVerything you're doing is useless and unhelpful.

So if you had the goal of helping someone with this treatment you are not. In fact, you are actively making their lives worse.
Right now, my goal is to take that woke trans garbage that the left is trying to force feed me and shove it back into their face. To be clear, I am not going to go around insulting people for no reason. But if someone expects me to feed their delusion to spare their feelings, they are in for a rude awakening.
Upvote 0

Has anyone attempted a 40 day fast?

The Irish prisoners starved to death around 40 days +.
You will die sooner without water.
The only thing I found useful about fasting is that it acts like a timer reminding yourself that you had intended to pray about something.
Mozambique pastor dies attempting 40-day Jesus fast Here is a sad story of a pastor dying without water because he tried to fast like Jesus.

I do know a pastor and some in his church that fast 21 days, and a few of them 40 of no food. I have heard a sermon from them on how to do this practically using a little bit of prune juice, and vitamin supplements. I think too that one does not start off on 40 days. I would try 3, then work it up a bit.

I personally like Kenneth Hagin's short book entitled"Commonsense Guide to fasting" https://gthinkers.org/spiritual_books/Kenneth E. Hagin A common sense guide to fasting..pdf.pdf
Basically, he talks of biblical examples in fasting and how very few are called beyond 3 days at a time. If that were to occur then the Holy Spirit would lead just as they did Jesus.
Upvote 0

‘Go to Berkeley’: Ron DeSantis said students seeking ‘woke’ classes should study elsewhere

.....
That's not to say they don't have a great engineering department. But I think their "artsy" stuff and progressive campus culture is the thing they're known for.

In the same way that OSU has perfectly respectable STEM departments, but they're known for Division 1 athletics.
How did I miss this part.

Cal actually has some of the very best STEM programs in the whole country. Across the board. It is widely known for those - unless your only source of knowledge in this world is recent culture wars axe grinders. Between faculty and alums, the list of Nobel prize winners is ridiculous.

For sure Berkeley (town and U) has a certain radical subculture. But the other 90+% is just doing normal college stuff at a high level.
Upvote 0

Trump dispenses with trials, orders military strike on alleged Venezuelan drug-trafficking boat (Now up to 2, 3, 4...)

I already know Trump's reasons for pardoning Hernandez, but I wanted to see you list them.


I don't care what Trump's reasons are because nothing could justify pardoning a convicted president who used his country as a staging ground for importing hundreds of tons of cocaine into the United States. What's the point of blowing up small boats if one head of the cartel snake is given a free pass?
Upvote 0

Young earth vs Old earth?

It's not my responsibility to show you that the NT authors were exegeting the OT. The onus is on you to show that they were.
I did. However, you said nothing in response to it.
I showed that you are asserting that
  • Scriptures such as Psalm 22:18; Psalm 78:1, 2; Psalm 91:11, 12; Isaiah 6:8-10; Isaiah 9:1, 2 are not prophetic of the Messiah, which makes Jesus and his followers out to be liars, since they all said, these prophetic utterances were fulfilled in the Messiah. John 19:23-24; Matthew 13:34-35; Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10, 11; Matthew 13:14-15; Matthew 4:12-16; Matthew 2:15, 16... as well as his people. Romans 9:25; 1 Corinthians 15:55 (Hosea13:14); Mark 7:6; Luke 3:3-6; John 1:23 (Isaiah 40:1-5);
  • Where the Greek scriptures quote the Hebrew scriptures, these were interpretations of the Jews, applying texts to someone they felt was the Messiah, and therefore the Greek scriptures are a farce, since Jesus did not really fulfill these prophecies... In fact they were not even prophesies. So...
  • Jesus is a liar, and he lied when he said I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Luke 24:27, 44 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me." John 5:39, 46
  • Luke 22:37 For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels.’ Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.” is not true. This is referring to Jerusalem - Zion.
I showed you that all these texts including Jesus words speak of the words of the Prophets being fulfilled at present, or future, in the Messiah or his people.

Did Mathew ever say "hey, just so you all know, Hosea 11:1 was originally about Jesus".

In fact, he didn't.
Why did you say 'original'?
Matthew said Hosea's words were fulfilled upon the Messiah, when Joseph was told to take Jesus out of Egypt.
The fact is, when God put those words on Hosea's tongue, God is the one who had in mind the application, and for us to decide and make the claim that God meant them only for Israel in Egypt, we would have to ignore what God inspired Matthew to write, and exalt ourselves above a level of a human.
I humbly accept that God inspired Matthew to apply Hosea's words to the Messiah, because God was uttering a Messianic prophecy.

The fact is, the text in the Gospels, and the apostles writings say that the words of the prophets are fulfilled there and then, either towards the Messiah, or his people?

What you are in fact saying is that God does not use two fold prophecies, nor does he insert Messianic prophesies in the Hebrew texts, written in the Prophets and Psalms....
Did Moses really write about Jesus. Or what was that a Jewish interpretation, put as Jesus' words? John 5:39, 46

Paul quoted Hosea 13:14, as having fulfilment in the future. “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55
Was that a Jewish interpretation?

I leave you to what you want to do here as well.
As they say in Jamaica, "I dun wid dat."
Upvote 0

Swatting Trolls v. Encouraging Saints—Who Wins When Threads Go Sideways?

I think it depends what the issue is. I assume you are talking about social and ethical issues mostly. Though just about everything can have a social and moral component.

I think the first thing is to recognise the overall culture in which this is happening. It is a different world to the one 50 or 75 years ago. Overall we are a postmodern society. That means the fundemental belief is all things are relative or at least there is an increased inclination to question everything. Oppose stuff for the sake of doing so because its what we do.

So already its a mindfield of decades of post Enlightened rationalisations and people are very good at posing alternatives and articulating arguements. Rightly so as within some contextes they are sound and rational and needed.

Taking this into consideration the first thing to note is that playing the same game by the same rules is not going to work. You more or less become another voice in a pot of voices all proclaiming a subjective truth. So you have to know when its a subjective matter or a factual matter or a bit of both and when to adapt or cease to engage.

I think apologetics is important. But basically I think its a spiritual battle. Most will not even believe such a thing so you cannot get into a rational debate. But we can say that what is being objected to or claimed within the social and moral or political realm is subjective. It is a belief no different to religious belief.

I mean for Christians there are certain core truths and we should be united in mind and spirit. So no need to arguements or decending into politics. Otherwise its not good fruit. Some arguements on the bible are not worth it if they cause division. Just leave it that people believe different and let God show the way.

But in the end all you can do is profess your belief, give testimony of the gospel and leave it at that. People underestimate testimony and we don't have to apologise for it. We use testimonial experience all the time and people believe people.

In saying that I think its by living the gospel or the teachings that will show others that this is not just about words or rationalisations. But a experiential belief that becomes reality. It has a real effect and presense in the world. Thats the evidence and its tangible in that sense. No one can argue about someone who is living the words without fault.

Often it is not what someone said but how they said it or what they actually did that later won the person over. We know that despite all the apologetics that it may be something completely unrelated that caused a person to hear Gods voice.

You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink. But you can show them the life giving water and leave it up to God.
Steve, thank you for laying out that graceful-exit roadmap. My own Tokyo witness has never hinged on clever rhetoric: I simply raise Jesus’ name, share the freedom He offers, and leave the growth to God. Online, my blogs try to encourage deeper thought, but the depth always points back to the One who deserves all praise, life, and love. It’s a daily struggle for us all—yet plant, witness, and bow we shall. Grace and peace to you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Upvote 0

Lotus Flower

AI overview:

While the lily is more commonly associated with Mary in Christianity, the lotus flower can represent her as well, symbolizing purity and divine beauty, much like the lily. Both flowers represent purity and are often found in artwork and churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Similar symbolism
  • Purity: Both the lily and the lotus are used to symbolize purity because of their ability to rise from muddy water or dark places unstained and pristine.
  • Divine beauty: The lotus is seen as a symbol of divine beauty and grace, qualities also attributed to Mary.
  • Church art: The lotus is depicted in some ancient churches dedicated to Mary, according to Oxford Academic.

More common association with Mary
  • The Lily: The lily, especially the white lily, is the more prominent flower linked to Mary. It was carried by the Archangel Gabriel during the Annunciation and is often used in art to represent her.
  • Other flowers: Other flowers, such as roses, violets, and bluebells, also have specific connections to Mary in Christian tradition.
That makes me feel better about my doubts about having a lotus flower box, not that I was all that concerned about it anymore anyway.
  • Like
Reactions: Michie
Upvote 0

The Electrical Nature of the Universe

unless you believe you are spiritually protected.
I do believe the Lord will protect His own, those who 'Call upon the Name of the Lord, shall be saved. Acts 2:21

Zechariah 9:15-16 The Lord of hosts will protect His people...On that Day, He will save them, like a flock, for they are precious to Him. Isaiah 61:10

Psalms 37:18-19 The Lord watches over the righteous, when times are bad, they will not be distressed.

Job 22:30 He will deliver the innocent, because their hands are pure.

Psalms 91:1-16 ...He will rescue you, you will not fear the terrors abroad.

Psalms 121:1-8 Our help comes from the Lord, He will guard your life.

Psalms 109:31 The Lord stands at the right hand of the poor and saves them from trials.

Isaiah 51:16 I keep you covered under the shelter of My hand.

Psalms 97:10-12 He keeps His loyal servants safe and rescues them from the wicked.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is anyone who trusts in the Lord, they will be like trees by a stream, when the heat comes it has nothing to fear.

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is a sure protection in times of trouble and cares for all those who make Him their refuge.

Psalms 60:4-5 To those who fear the Lord, He will show the way to escape from trouble.

Psalms 37:9 For evildoers will be destroyed, those who trust in the Lord will prosper in the Land.

Isaiah 26:20 On that Day, I will come to your aid.

Daniel 12:1 There will be a time of anguish, but at that time, Your people will be delivered, all those whose names are written in the Book of Life.

2 Thessalonians 1:7 ...to give you relief when the Lord Jesus comes in blazing fire.

Joel 3:16 The Lord roars from Zion, the heavens and the earth shudder, but He is a refuge for His people and a defence for Israel.

Ecclesiasticus 34:13-17 Those who fear the Lord will live, for their trust in Him can keep them safe. The Lord keeps watch over those who love Him, He is their shield and support, a shelter from the scorching wind and the heat of the sun. He raises their spirits and gives healing, life and blessings. Apoc.
Upvote 0

Minnesota is drowning in fraud.

Nearly implies less.
Doesn't. 3 dimes are still nearly worth a quarter.
I guess you'd have to ask him under oath.
Oh really? Not according to your next post.
Well, it all stemmed from inside information. As a member of the NYSE board, she knew what she was doing.
But by your parameters you can't call someone an insider trader unless they were convicted or prosecuted because we can't read minds. But you still call Martha stewart an insider trader even though she wasn't convicted or prosecuted. Just not Pelosi, since you like Pelosi. Which means you are inconsistent with your labels and therefore concede the argument
Want much of an informative statement, either.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Upvote 0

Which person *am* I?

I'm not going to attempt to analyze your situation, but I will share that thru the years I've heard numerous successful comedians talk about this very same thing ... how they can make us all laugh ... and be the funniest person in the room ... but inside they are feeling the things that you've described. IRL, they personally deal with depression, loneliness, etc.

(Some that easily come to mind are former Saturday Nite Live cast members.)

I don't know what it all means, but I share this just to say that I don't think your experience is unique to just you.

:blush:
I’ve heard and read about comedians who’ve said the same thing.
Upvote 0

The NEA is pushing far left teaching upon children

If you expect me to bow to a naked king and compliment him on imaginary beautiful robes, you are mistaken. Nor will I be afraid of the king's wrath or his supporters who desire his self delusion to spare his feelings.
you go ahead and be you.

Just remember: EVerything you're doing is useless and unhelpful.

So if you had the goal of helping someone with this treatment you are not. In fact, you are actively making their lives worse.
Upvote 0

Minnesota is drowning in fraud.

Both can be true.
Nearly implies less.
And does so without consulting her at all?
I guess you'd have to ask him under oath.
I actually looked more into Martha Stewart and it turns out she was never actually even convicted for insider trading either. Her broker was. Congrats! You've conceded the entire argument.
Well, it all stemmed from inside information. As a member of the NYSE board, she knew what she was doing.
At least you acknowledge it wasn't an argument now.
Want much of an informative statement, either.
Upvote 0

Quartodecimanism: Myths and Facts

Nor do I know of any reliable evidence that Matthew preached in Parthia, Pontus, or Ethiopia.

It’s in the Orthodox Synaxaria. Can’t get much more reliable than that.

Further I know of no reliable evidence that the Apostle Matthew is the same as the Evangelist Matthew.

I know of no reliable evidence that they were different people, nor is the idea even popular (in contrast to the idea, popular among liberal mainline Christians, that St. John the Apostle, St. John the Evangelist, and St. John the Divine were three separate persons).
Upvote 0

The Mamdani Model: More Socialist Mayors to ComeBeware! The DSA will attempt to repeat Mamdani’s success in other Democrat strongholds.

As noted by others, democracies and republics are not mutually excusive. The US is both, Saudi Arabia is neither, the UK is a democracy, but definitely not a republic (unless the local peasants gave Chuck 3 a "French haircut" in the last hour.)

Well I enjoy the idea of Supreme Court justices being appointed for life without voters' opinions mattering. Should be left up to the king to make decisions like that. And i guess voters technically elect the king...Oh wait no there's an electoral college too ^_^ So win-win

Natural is an old fashioned term for what is now known as science. I can assure you that we do not depend on the philosophical notion of a creator to do our work.

And we have seen the fruits of that in recent years as happiness levels plummet.

Not to any significant extent, particularly US law.

Actually Catholic canon law paralleled the legal development of much of Europe, which then influenced US law.

I would have disagreed with you when I was a Christian.

Good thing I am me, then

If you'd said "arts and culture (and even science)" I could have agreed at least for the Medieval and Renaissance periods, but exploration is funded by kings and princes (and later merchants) looking for power and/or wealth.

Monarchy is based! Good to see another Divine Right of Kings enjoyer. I must point to the obvious here, Christopher Columbus was funded by Catholic Monarchs

Kepler is reasonably great (don't know the other two), but I don't how his work is a product of Christianity.

He is Christian

I don't really care for church architecture. Too many pointless frills. I like the modern stuff: Art Deco, Prairie style, etc.

Bad.

"What have the Romans ever done for us?" :)

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Upvote 0

Filter

Forum statistics

Threads
5,879,057
Messages
65,428,373
Members
276,427
Latest member
Gandalfgrey