stevevw said:

This is double stanbdards. You demand peer review and make people jump through hoops with demands of independent evidence. Then post a list of claims without any link or evidence at all let alone peer review and celebrate it a winner.

Just shows how willing some are to accept stuff without evidence. So long as it fits their beliefs.

I can play this game and make up stuff in a table.

Click to expand...

Here is the table again with the relevant references.


I don't take kindly to being accused of lying by "make up stuff", in fact this is all about psychological projection since you have been caught out lying on subjects such as Old and New Kingdom obelisks. While you have a propensity for dishonesty don't expect others to follow your example.

Now I would ordinarily ask what you think constitutes evidence but since your response has degenerated into personal attacks I don't hold much promise of reading a coherent and ad hominem free reply.

I wonder what will happen once the flat earthers discover that Flat Earth was created by the elite in order to discredit Christianity by making them look like fools.

Hentenza said:

You are. The 6th commandment is foundational to all of Christianity.

Click to expand...

Then it is only some Christians who think killing those two men in the water after their boat was sunk was a righteous act. What do you think the reasoning is of those Christians who approve of it? You, at least, seem to be willing to back down and call it immoral if it is shown first to be illegal.

Sara50840 said:

I’ve always struggled with feeling God’s presence. It’s hard having faith in something I can’t feel or haven’t really EXPERIENCED in the way I hear stories about. It makes me scared that my faith isn’t genuine or if I’m doing something wrong.

I’ve been a Christian since I was 4. Yes, this has haunted me for awhile because I feel like that was way too young, but I feel as if I’ve had enough faith since then (and panic prayers) that at some point it really did become genuine. Plus I read “Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart” by JD Grear to help with some of my fears.

But now, I don’t know if I’m just backsliding or if it’s something more serious.

I’ve never been good at prayer or Bible reading. I get distracted. I get busy. I have really good phases where I do it daily and then I drop off and have trouble getting back on it. But even then, it feels more like studying and learning information instead of meditating and sitting with God. I read, do a quick prayer, and go about my day. I’ve tried to sit with Him more, but then my thoughts just wander, and I don’t ever hear Him or feel Him.

I keep trying to pray for God to reveal Himself to me. To ease my anxiety. To give me some kind of answer. But I hear nothing. And then I just become less motivated to read the Bible or pray. I’ve never been good at praying anyway.

I don’t know what to do at this point. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal for Christians to just feel distant? I feel like most of my “encounters” with God have just been vicariously through others. I know all the answers to questions at church, am very familiar with the Bible, and serve regularly, but it just feels like I’m following obligation and not living by faith.

It feels like I’m just forcing everything, and I don’t know how to make it feel real.

Click to expand...

Do you Love Jesus Christ of Nazareth?

FromWesternCanada said:

God's explained to me, many times, that this Church, this 'religion', is rooted in the meaning of Life. I am going to take the OCIA here within a month or two. I just am in the middle of moving, but it all seems good to go. I know this will sound stupid to people, maybe, but I was in the hospital and this Priest came, and he gave me a Rosary. I can't lose that thing. It just, shows up. Same as this daily Bible journal book from years ago. We would move and move, and I'd find that book. Anyways, God bless. I've got a Catholic Bible through Amazon. And some Church history. I'm just excited, talking on and on. But God so loved the World, He gave us Roman Catholicism.

Click to expand...

Welcome!

pastorwaris said:

Brother, thank you for your thoughtful contribution!
Your observations about the decree of Artaxerxes, the 360-day prophetic calendar, and Josephus’ account of the cessation of sacrifices are valuable pieces of the discussion. You clearly have a good grasp of the historical data and how many scholars approach Daniel’s timeline. I appreciate the precision and care in your argument.

Allow me to respond point-by-point with respect, while also offering a few clarifications from the Hebrew text, chronology, and New Testament context.

1. About the 444 BC decree (Nehemiah 2)​

The 444 BC date is indeed widely held (Artaxerxes’ 20th year), but even conservative scholars acknowledge some chronological uncertainties in Persian regnal years.
However, Daniel 9:25 says:
מִן־מֹצָא דָבָר לְהָשִׁיב וְלִבְנוֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַם
"From the going forth of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem."
Many scholars note that Ezra 7 (457 BC) is the only decree that explicitly authorizes restoration (לְהָשִׁיב) not just repairs. Nehemiah’s decree is more narrowly focused on the walls.
So while 444 BC is a legitimate position, 457 BC remains linguistically stronger.
Your point is well-taken, but the Hebrew nuances keep the discussion open.

2. About the 360-day prophetic calendar​

Yes, prophetic literature often uses a 360-day schema (e.g., Rev 11–12: “1260 days = 42 months = 3½ years”).
But applying a strict 360-day year to Daniel’s 70 weeks is interpretive, not required by the Hebrew text.
In Daniel 9, no unit of days is mentioned only שָׁבֻעִים (weeks/sets of seven).
The text leaves the “type” of year undefined.
So using a 360-day year can be helpful, but it is not mandated linguistically.

3. “The 70th week is not connected to the 69th”​

This is an excellent observation. Many scholars agree with you:
There is an intentional gap between the 69th and the 70th week.

Daniel 9:26 explicitly states:
וְאַחֲרֵי הַשָּׁבֻעִים שִׁשִּׁים וּשְׁנַיִם
“After the sixty-two weeks…” then events occur before v.27’s final week begins.
This does show a structural separation.
Where interpreters differ is how long the gap is.

You propose 33–63 AD.
Others argue the gap continues into the last days (cf. Matt 24:15; 2 Thess 2; Rev 13).
Both views attempt to handle the same textual tension in different ways.

4. Eleazar ben Hananiah stopping the sacrifices (66 AD)​

You are absolutely right that Josephus records this:



This is a strong candidate for the “cessation of sacrifice” in Daniel 9:27.
However:

• The text of Daniel 9 describes a covenant being enforced (וְהִגְבִּיר בְּרִית לָרַבִּים)​

There is no record of Eleazar, Zealots, or Romans strengthening a covenant with many.

• Jesus places the “abomination of desolation” (Dan 9:27) in the future relative to 30 AD (Matt 24:15)​

Meaning something beyond His earthly ministry.

So 66–70 AD is historically important,
but not a complete fulfillment of Daniel 9:27.

5. “Inspired Scripture stopped here.”​

Brother, respectfully this is a theological conclusion, not a textual one.
Jesus and the apostles treat the destruction of Jerusalem as a pattern, but not the final culmination:

• Paul (2 Thess 2) speaks of a future man of lawlessness seated in the temple of God.
• John (Revelation) describes further abominations, prophetic timelines, and covenant persecutions.
• Jesus (Matt 24:21–29) links a future tribulation to Daniel’s prophecy.

So the New Testament does not treat 70 AD as the end of prophetic history.

Blessings

Click to expand...

457- 483 (69 7s) =26 - another 1 because of going from bc to ad=25ad You likely do not believe that was the crucifixion date. And yes you have to adjust if changing from Gregorian to 360 day calendar so you have to - even more years. The evidence is the authors of the bible are using a 360 day a year calendar. If you have evidence to show otherwise then do it. Not the talmud aka jewish fables. What I said is right unless you want to argue against any of those things. 2 Thes 2 happened 70 AD. The believers body is the temple of the holy spirit now. All of math 24 happened 70 ad. I explained it in the Jude Enoch thread. Rev 1-12 happened 70 ad but rev 13-22 is future. Vision and prophecy was sealed up by 70 AD. Revelation was written 41 AD. The final 7 was 63-70 AD. Whatever the abom of des was it happened 70 ad but was not recorded past tense. 483 times 5.24 = (whatever it is) / 360 = 7 years less when using a 360 day calender vs gregorian 365.24 so if the decree was 457 bc the crucifixion date would be 18 ad.

BCP1928 said:

Am I? Do you think all Christians regard killing those two men in the water after their boat was sunk as a righteous act? I don't, at least I hope not.

Click to expand...

You are. The 6th commandment is foundational to all of Christianity.

How long before he convinces Kanye to get Trump to give him a pardon?

JulieB67 said:

Since when is death not considered punishment?

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Earthly death punishment kills the body but the spirit returns to the one who made it. Eternal punishment is corporal and spiritual and not temporal.

stevevw said:

This is double stanbdards. You demand peer review and make people jump through hoops with demands of independent evidence. Then post a list of claims without any link or evidence at all let alone peer review and celebrate it a winner.

Just shows how willing some are to accept stuff without evidence. So long as it fits their beliefs.

I can play this game and make up stuff in a table.

Click to expand...

He could just say the table came from "transcendent knowledge" then you wouldn't need any evidence.

Homily Friday, December 5 2025



Isaiah 29:17-24

“On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a scroll; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.”

For us, it is wonderful to think about these major transformations in people’s bodies.

God leads us to a deeper understanding. It is also about allowing Him to open our hearts to His grace.



Matthew 9:27-31

The blind men on the road believe that Jesus can restore their sight. Welcoming God’s presence, His joy and peace, our hearts find their joy again.



Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen

December 4, 2025

Our Morning Offering – 4 December – Daily Prayers to the Infant Jesus


One Minute Reflection – 4 December – “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:14

Saint Peter Chrysologus propers & commentary (EF)

St. Peter Chrysologus, Doctor of the Church propers with Feria and St. Barbara commemorations (EF)

Thursday of the First Week of Advent readings & commentary (OF)
Saint John Damascene, Priest, Religious and Doctor—Optional Memorial

Thursday of the First Week of Advent; Opt. Mem. of St. John Damascene, Priest and Doctor readings & commentary (OF)
Other Commemorations: St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr; St. Osmund, Bishop

Daily Gospel

Saint Peter Chrysologus

Saint Barbara Virgin and Martyr

The Legendary Saint Barbara

Pope Benedict and Saint John Damascene

Saints of the Day

Sermons for Everyday Living - St Peter Chrysologus & St Barbara 12/4/25

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stevevw said:

Do you really have to ask why. You don't think a boat load of drugs is going to lead to quite a number of deaths. Let alone all the devastation that is caused to families and communities.

Its estimated that around 6 people die from every kilo of cocaime on the streets. But I reckon its even higher as the cocaine is now being laced with fentanyl.

But what is overlooked is that at least in Colombia every gram snorted of cocaine takes one Colombians life. I would say its similar in Venezuela.

For every gram of coke snorted in Britain, someone in Colombia will have had their life taken away.

Price of cocaine paid with blood

For every gram of coke snorted in Britain, someone in Colombia will have had their life taken away. Antony Barnett in Cartagena finds hard evidence to back up appeals to end Britain's habit.

www.theguardian.com

Well its not working as the problem has increased.

Yet you often make claims without sources.

Does it matter. How many deaths do you think qualifies it as bad and some action is needed.

As far as most people I think they see every administration over the last decades as complete failures and hiding the truth over what has been happening. Thuis has contributed allowing this to go on now to the point it is out of hand and a national safety and security issue.

I don't think any past administration has a leg to stand on as far as moralising over who is telling the truth and taking responsibility. All I know is that the issue is serious and it needs serious action. The majority of people seem to support this immigration and national security approach.

Why are you trying to make out there is not a problem.

Do you honestly think that they did not have good intelligence.

Then maybe the US should be looking into that as well. Bad mixture. The most dangerous combination of drugs in history killing 1,000s and destroying families and communities. An evil poison being pushed by evil people that have no respect for life.

Thats where the moral outrage should be. But it seems misplaced for ideological reasons.

This is unreal and the very idea that has led to such a problem. If its so easy as you seem to think then why has not thios been done since this problem began. Why did not Obama or Biden 'arrest' these Narcos if it was so easy. Why have they not arrested so many people that it has led to aeven a slow down. Rather than an increase.

Its easy to moralise but another thing in reality. Do gooders protesting and proclaiming a better way to the point they actually contribute to absoi lutely nothing being done.

To stop the rot you have to stop it at the top. Catching individuals and boats (if you can) because they often cross at night in high powered speed boats. But evenso prosecuting a few boats and theres another 2 to take over. This is unreal.

Then not doing anything to immediately stop the poisoning of people is also intentional killing. Allowing it to continue is immoral.

Hense we have the ethical dilemma. Allow it to continue and watch your own people posioned. Or do something drastic to stop the evil people doing it.

From what I understand there is much more than just stopping the drug boats and this is related to national safety and security from foreign adversaries.

Click to expand...

And here we have another person who thinks killing those two men in the water after their boat had been sunk was a righteous act. It must be just a coincidence that you happen to be a Christian as well.

Fervent said:

If historical-cultural context are consulted, God-breathed has nothing to do with inspiration. It's expiration that is in view, which is why it is useful...because God makes the text alive.

Click to expand...

I disagree.

Fervent said:

The OP seems to promote at least 2 traditions that developed in the late middle ages in sola scriptura and the sui generis nature of the Bible such that it can be called the Word of God in its own right rather than functioning as an icon.

Click to expand...

Actually the primacy and holiness of scripture is well documented among the ECFs.

Hentenza said:

Strawman.

You are bashing Christianity. I called you out because you are painting all Christians in the same light.

Click to expand...

Am I? Do you think all Christians regard killing those two men in the water after their boat was sunk as a righteous act? I don't, at least I hope not.

Instead of complaining about prayer after communion I wish he would address the people who can’t silence their tongues before and during Mass.

Stopped_lurking said:

Why?

Click to expand...

Do you really have to ask why. You don't think a boat load of drugs is going to lead to quite a number of deaths. Let alone all the devastation that is caused to families and communities.

Its estimated that around 6 people die from every kilo of cocaime on the streets. But I reckon its even higher as the cocaine is now being laced with fentanyl.

But what is overlooked is that at least in Colombia every gram snorted of cocaine takes one Colombians life. I would say its similar in Venezuela.

For every gram of coke snorted in Britain, someone in Colombia will have had their life taken away.

Stopped_lurking said:

Who is talking about doing nothing? Drug interdiction is ongoing all the time.

Click to expand...

Well its not working as the problem has increased.

Stopped_lurking said:

I am always interested in sources, as you well know.

Click to expand...

Yet you often make claims without sources.

Stopped_lurking said:

So a claim by Trump, that is what you're going from? This is the guy who claimed to stop the war between Albania and Azerbaijan. A look at a single article fact-checking him shows that he has a loose relationship with the truth.

Click to expand...

Does it matter. How many deaths do you think qualifies it as bad and some action is needed.

As far as most people I think they see every administration over the last decades as complete failures and hiding the truth over what has been happening. Thuis has contributed allowing this to go on now to the point it is out of hand and a national safety and security issue.

I don't think any past administration has a leg to stand on as far as moralising over who is telling the truth and taking responsibility. All I know is that the issue is serious and it needs serious action. The majority of people seem to support this immigration and national security approach.

Stopped_lurking said:

So in total over a generation only 40-50 boatloads of drugs enter the us? That seems unlikely, they have sunk what is it 22 (21?) this year alone?

Click to expand...

Why are you trying to make out there is not a problem.

Stopped_lurking said:

Wouldn't it be good if they interdicted the boats and actually checked what was in the cargo?

Click to expand...

Do you honestly think that they did not have good intelligence.

Stopped_lurking said:

Most fentanyl I believe comes over the Mexico border.

Click to expand...

Then maybe the US should be looking into that as well. Bad mixture. The most dangerous combination of drugs in history killing 1,000s and destroying families and communities. An evil poison being pushed by evil people that have no respect for life.

Thats where the moral outrage should be. But it seems misplaced for ideological reasons.

Stopped_lurking said:

Why would you think that? The US could bring them to court instead.

Click to expand...

This is unreal and the very idea that has led to such a problem. If its so easy as you seem to think then why has not thios been done since this problem began. Why did not Obama or Biden 'arrest' these Narcos if it was so easy. Why have they not arrested so many people that it has led to aeven a slow down. Rather than an increase.

Its easy to moralise but another thing in reality. Do gooders protesting and proclaiming a better way to the point they actually contribute to absoi lutely nothing being done.

To stop the rot you have to stop it at the top. Catching individuals and boats (if you can) because they often cross at night in high powered speed boats. But evenso prosecuting a few boats and theres another 2 to take over. This is unreal.

Stopped_lurking said:

If not in a state of war, yes. Intentional killings outside the legal system is problematic to me.

Click to expand...

Then not doing anything to immediately stop the poisoning of people is also intentional killing. Allowing it to continue is immoral.

Hense we have the ethical dilemma. Allow it to continue and watch your own people posioned. Or do something drastic to stop the evil people doing it.

From what I understand there is much more than just stopping the drug boats and this is related to national safety and security from foreign adversaries.