(Feb 24, 2020 05:55 AM)Syne Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:Revelation 21:
8 "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
I don't see that saying who does the consigning.
I'm pretty sure that'd be God. I guess that means that everyone whose not a Christian gets thrown into the lake of fire? That's a lot of good people being used for kindling.
(Feb 24, 2020 04:45 PM)Magical Realist Wrote: [ -> ] (Feb 24, 2020 05:55 AM)Syne Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:Revelation 21:
8 "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
I don't see that saying who does the consigning.
I'm pretty sure that'd be God. I guess that means that everyone whose not a Christian gets thrown into the lake of fire? That's a lot of good people being used for kindling.
How do you personally define “good?”
(Feb 24, 2020 03:15 PM)Zinjanthropos Wrote: [ -> ]Quote: I'm a little nervous, though...suppose a lot of people show up (I sent 500 invitations/flyers throughout the community) and I'm unprepared? I'm not looking to ''lead'' the group, as much as facilitate.
If I recall correctly there are over 700 different sects, denominations or whatever they're called of the Christian religion. Theoretically then, it is possible that you get 500 responders each representing a different take. If half of them bring a friend then you may against all odds have every denomination covered. I doubt very much if you get past the first verse but who knows, you might get lucky. Asking that many people their interpretation, of one of many translations, of centuries old texts is quite an endeavour to say the least. I've always maintained that belief, faith or whatever should be a private affair. I realize religion is sort of all encompassing and not all belief but I think it will be difficult to separate the two in a bible study. If it was me, the first time I heard the word God or Jesus then that would require a warning being issued and if there's a repeat then say goodbye to that individual. In other words you will need a rulebook, if not now then once it's started. 
Lol If you were choosing to attend a Bible study, you would be offended if you heard the words God and Jesus? That’s like going to math class and not expecting to hear about numbers.
Quote:How do you personally define “good?”
Someone who strives to do the right thing and loves and cares for others and who is kind.
(Feb 24, 2020 06:27 PM)Magical Realist Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:How do you personally define “good?”
Someone who strives to do the right thing and loves and cares for others and who is kind.
Agree but the “right thing” can often vary from person to person. “You do you” is a popular narrative but I’ve seen it harm people more than it helps. For example, when the scandal happened in the NFL over football players taking a knee during the national anthem. Are the players who didn’t take a knee...”bad?” The media played it up as such. Or how about sanctuary cities that place the rights of criminals who are not citizens, over those of citizens? Who is “good” in that scenario?
I personally think the ideas of good and bad vary from person to person to the point where morality becomes something that just protects us and our interests, and doesn’t look out for others.
Quote:I personally think the ideas of good and bad vary from person to person to the point where morality becomes something that just protects us and our interests, and doesn’t look out for others.
I'm not a relativist. I think most people know what is right for themselves given each situation and try to abide by it. A religion that conceives of such people as worthy of hell is cruel and heartless to me. I could never believe in that.
(Feb 24, 2020 06:48 PM)Magical Realist Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:I personally think the ideas of good and bad vary from person to person to the point where morality becomes something that just protects us and our interests, and doesn’t look out for others.
I'm not a relativist. I think most people know what is right for themselves given each situation and try to abide by it. A religion that conceives of such people as worthy of hell is cruel and heartless to me. I could never believe in that.
I think hell is a tough concept and I have my thoughts about it, too. My faith isn’t driven by wanting to avoid hell or viewing other people as worthy of it or not. I don’t think about it much, tbh.
Quote:Lol If you were choosing to attend a Bible study, you would be offended if you heard the words God and Jesus? That’s like going to math class and not expecting to hear about numbers.
If you want to talk about the philosophy/principle of mathematics, do you need numbers?
What's the main principle or fundamental truth about the bible? Is it God & Jesus exist(ed)? You're making it sound like bible study is based on the 'God/Jesus did it' principle. Are the Moonies looking for a new leader?
Never know.
(Feb 24, 2020 07:19 PM)Zinjanthropos Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:Lol If you were choosing to attend a Bible study, you would be offended if you heard the words God and Jesus? That’s like going to math class and not expecting to hear about numbers.
If you want to talk about the philosophy/principle of mathematics, do you need numbers?
What's the main principle or fundamental truth about the bible? Is it God & Jesus exist(ed)? You're making it sound like bible study is based on the 'God/Jesus did it' principle. Are the Moonies looking for a new leader? Never know.
Nah, I never said that. I’m hopeful for a respectful, non-combative discussion of the Bible - do we believe these events happened and if so, why? If not, why? And go on from there...
Quote:Nah, I never said that. I’m hopeful for a respectful, non-combative discussion of the Bible - do we believe these events happened and if so, why? If not, why? And go on from there...
My bad.....misunderstood.
"In the beginning, God created.......". I figured that's how far you might get if everyone was welcome, including neighbourhood atheists and those who don't think there was a beginning or creation, etc, etc. To accomplish what you hope to get here, then I don't think you need to discuss anything more Biblical.
(Feb 24, 2020 07:43 PM)Zinjanthropos Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:Nah, I never said that. I’m hopeful for a respectful, non-combative discussion of the Bible - do we believe these events happened and if so, why? If not, why? And go on from there...
My bad.....misunderstood.
"In the beginning, God created.......". I figured that's how far you might get if everyone was welcome, including neighbourhood atheists and those who don't think there was a beginning or creation, etc, etc. To accomplish what you hope to get here, then I don't think you need to discuss anything more Biblical.
No worries lol Yea, I’m not sure where to start the study, OT or NT, psalms or proverbs? It must be hard to be a teacher or preacher, with their “lesson” planning.
I’m also hopeful that it will just bring the community closer together, in friendship etc. I don’t have an “agenda,” in other words.
In other news - what do you all think of the Harvey Weinstein verdict?