Question

[Biggin]

OK, here is some more;

Joseph and Mary were married for a year, and Mary got pregnant inside that year, correct? The article says that in ancient times, the first year is like a trial period, without the sex. That was common practice back then, so it says.

But, its not possible Joseph and Mary got a lil hasty? We all know humans have desires and hormones, why is so far out of the realm of possibility that Joseph and Mary had sex, therefore knocking the virgin birth down the other myths like Krishna and Horus.

Another example of words mysteriously changing definition, with the 'Holy Spirit coming upon you'. The article references the eariler passages, saying the phrase is just a stock phrase, with no set definition.

So the definition for all these ancient sayings were set in stone? That its not possible they used a statement that had been used before, but changed the connotations? Because the statement meant one thing in an earlier passage, it HAS to mean the same thing in the later passages? What sense does that make, when we talk about all the interpretations that can be found from ancient mythological text.

[Biggin]

My biggest problem in this is assuming everything that made it into the NT is factual basis. Interpretation of some things is such a tricky issue, how in the world can ANYONE say anything for sure? Like Paul being so against borrowing from other myths.
The statements made in the Bible we know have been edited and interpretated by numerous people, so how can we assume what made it in the Bible as fact of how Paul felt? Its not possible

[Gotch]

Certainly have to give you credit for taking the time to study the subject rather than reading two paragraphs and snapping to a conclusion.

That's all either side in a debate, internet or otherwise, can ask.

I obviously come to different conclusions from some of the material than you do, that's not a surprise due to our differing positions from the start.

Really appreciate you taking the time to consider a different opinion though.

[Biggin]

I love this stuff, the ancient world is our gateway to the beginning, not enough people spend the time to find out how the ancient Earth really was.

My whole point in this is doubt; there is doubt when it comes to things like ancient interpretations and myths, and the myths that have been passed down are so up for debate, its impossible to find any true conclusions IMO

I brought this up to show people how intertwined all this is, and to come out and say one thing is for sure true is foolish on my side, and the other side.
Ive learned enough to know that when it comes to ancient writings, theres so much that has to be factored in, I feel its impossible to 100% really know what anything means.

Like I said earlier, I am not trying to get people to denounce their religion, not in the least. I only want equality for all, and maybe if some people see that all this religion is so interpretative and open for discussion, to govern by it is a grave mistake.

[centennialdawg]

The point is, most countries have survived for centuries with religion intertwined in their government. Our problem with it is we have a piece of paper, signed by our founding fathers, garanteeing the separation of any "official" religion from our government.

Another problem is that, being christian, I am sorely afraid that our country's failure to recognize an official religion has sent us down a winding road of decline which will ultimately end with our country's destruction.

This is just my opinion and I am IN NO WAY trying to force it upon anyone.

[Shooter]

The point is, most countries have survived for centuries with religion intertwined in their government. Our problem with it is we have a piece of paper, signed by our founding fathers, garanteeing the separation of any "official" religion from our government.

I would imagine the seperation of state and church was originally put in there to protect churches from big government. Sadly, those words have been used to try and destroy religion in our country. I would imagine our founding fathers, who founded our country with the attitude that "In God We Trust", would never have believed how Godless our country is becoming now.

[Biggin]

I would imagine the seperation of state and church was originally put in there to protect churches from big government. Sadly, those words have been used to try and destroy religion in our country. I would imagine our founding fathers, who founded our country with the attitude that "In God We Trust", would never have believed how Godless our country is becoming now.

Go read up on the man in your sig's views on religion, and tell me Jefferson was as you describe the founding fathers.

[R13]

I would imagine the seperation of state and church was originally put in there to protect churches from big government. Sadly, those words have been used to try and destroy religion in our country. I would imagine our founding fathers, who founded our country with the attitude that "In God We Trust", would never have believed how Godless our country is becoming now.

It was put in to protect both 1) No state-ran religion 2) No religion-ran state. Again, it's ridiculous to try to claim that the religious are some minority getting picked on by the rest. Give me a break, it's the other way around and has been that way for awhile. LOL You do know that "In God We Trust" didn't start until the civil war, that even they probably would have opposed it then along with what happened in the 50's with it. They didn't have that attitude at all.


People need to realize somethings....


1) This nation isn't a Christian nation, it's a nation with a majority of Christians(for now).


2) Non-believers aren't the bullies, there's no war against Christianity/Christmas/religion. People have just smartened up and are not held down as much as before. Christians push away more than anything, that's the reason for the fall off of Christians the past few decades.


3) "Going away from God" has nothing to do with if this country is in bad shape, look at the most religious states and the fun facts about them...or that prison population...or the moral dictating done by Christians here that affects the legislation. God doesn't make you a better person, you either are one or you're not.