A Question for fellow Christians. (Jesus, Moses, Earth, gospel) - Page 7

angellous_evangellous · #61 01-31-2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

It was the right thing for me at the time.

Poor guy.

stephenw · #62 01-31-2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristineES

I will answer, although this thread was for Christians, or at least I will try to.

You are assuming that I believe people are born separated from God, at least I think that is what you are saying. The opposite is true in my view. I believe that people are born united with God. When a person becomes able to make a decision at a certain age, then they make the choice to either stay united to God or to separate from Him. That age can 5 years old or maybe not until the person is an adult.

I don't understand anything about original sin, I never engage in such discussions.

Is it me you're answering? if it is I'd like to ask some more

doppelgänger · #63 01-31-2008, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristineES

although this thread was for Christians

"Christians" fits within the religious category "Any/None."

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristineES

You are assuming that I believe people are born separated from God, at least I think that is what you are saying. The opposite is true in my view.

Birth of the identity is a prerequisite to the perception of choice. An individual becomes that individual (from her perspective) when she takes upon herself an identity. In other words, identity is created by the power of the construct "I am" becoming the means by which I relate to and organize reality as I experience it. Only then can "I" appear to myself to be making "choices," because, before that, there's no "me" to make a choice. So there must be an initial separation that precedes any "choice."

And then you find yourself up against the universal mystic conundrum - can you "choose" to no longer be without still being?

stephenw · #64 01-31-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

Si. For a while in my late-teens and early twenties. It was the right thing for me at the time.

V. interesting. I've only ever seen evangelicals on telly. Seems to be something very American about them (also something a little scary!). I'd love to ask you about it sometime.

ChristineES · #65 01-31-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephenw

Is it me you're answering? if it is I'd like to ask some more

Yes, partially and everyone else who posted on the subject. Ask me any question you want to-- I can't guarantee that I will have an answer to it. I am a bit scatterbrained this morning. I used to be easily offended, but I grew a thicker skin when I realized that no one has to like me.

stephenw · #66 01-31-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristineES

Yes, partially and everyone else who posted on the subject. Ask me any question you want to-- I can't guarantee that I will have an answer to it. I am a bit scatterbrained this morning. I used to be easily offended, but I grew a thicker skin when I realized that no one has to like me.

I like you !

Would you answer this please:- how does your belief in choice fit with the idea that God "will have all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4).?

ChristineES · #67 01-31-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

"Christians" fits within the religious category "Any/None."

Birth of the identity is a prerequisite to the perception of choice. An individual becomes that individual (from her perspective) when she takes upon herself an identity. In other words, identity is created by the power of the construct "I am" becoming the means by which I relate to and organize reality as I experience it. Only then can "I" appear to myself to be making "choices," because, before that, there's no "me" to make a choice. So there must be an initial separation that precedes any "choice."

And then you find yourself up against the universal mystic conundrum - can you "choose" to no longer be without still being?

I do understand your point, (I am very tired--I only had about 2 hours of sleep last night due to insomnia (off-topic)).
The only thing I can say right now is that I believe if a baby were to die, the child would be with God. If a person of limited intelligence were to die, the same would be true. It is my own belief that I said, it does not reflect my Baptist beliefs.
Maybe choice is an illusion, as you believe-- I don't claim to know anything or everything. All I have is my opinion.

I certainly don't mind you posting in this thread at all. I was just being mean, I think. I am sorry about that.