Eugene Debs

That is very interesting, Pennylynn, I need to take some time with what you said. And I agree: a ghetto in Heaven "sure beats the vision of 'hell' or the 'final death.'" The question of Paul's place in Christianity is huge to me. Perhaps we can discuss that sometime.

Mr Bombastic

Paul was the the defender of the faith. He spread the Gospel throughout the entire known world, and eventually died for it. He wrote more books of the New Testament than anyone else. Without him, there is much we would not know about things like Salvation by Grace, as well as other teachings. The other Apostles also declared him an Apostle of Christ. I don't see how anyone can not consider him a servant of God.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

You are right, Christianity as most people worship is a direct result of Saul/Paul. As for him writing more than the Apostles, you are wrong. You will need to explore archives for the other "books", "letters", and papers from the time, but they are there for the individual who wishes to learn the t***h, the history, and policies of the early church. I believe that politics played a big role in what was included into the Christian Canon better known as the Christian Bible, but that is just my opinion. The Apostles did not accept him as an Apostle because his teachings were not the same as Jesus. Yes there are 77 verses about Paul being an Apostle but they were written by Paul/Saul or by his close traveling companion and close friend. I responded to you in another thread on this matter, but you apparently stopped following and responding. Last thing, I did not say he was not a servant of G*d; everyone and everything serves the will of G*d. Judas was a servant of G*d along with the Roman soldiers and even satan (notice this is not a proper noun) as well as Joseph of Arimathea, as well as Mary, to name only a few. Was their paths unchangeable, no.... any one along the chain of events could have responded differently. But, that is a topic for another thread... perhaps under Faith, Religion, Spirituality.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

I would be happy to engage in a conversation with you on any subject. I too have my opinions of Saul/Paul, which differs from most.

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

Our terms different but conclusion is basically the same..

Yes, semantics as all emotion intertwines and guides us to " our happiness"..

We hold these t***hs to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Thomas Jefferson

I'll add now and then it's good to give pause to the pursuit and just be happy...
Guillaume Apollinaire


As for Love, yes it is Supreme and selflessness...There is only one true happiness in life, to love and be loved...In that, everything is ....

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

I find your discussion interesting, so forgive my intrusion. In relationship to "happiness," I think it depends on each individual and their upbringing.
Happiness for an Amish individual would not be the same as a child of a Hollywood movie star. I think that most people confuse a momentary experience with the overall satisfaction with their lives. I do not frown on the momentary experience of pleasure because without it,
things become routine. My Papa told me, happiness is when your life fulfills your needs. Ergo, happiness for one individual would fall well short of another's expectation. Love on the other hand can not be demanded, commanded or taken away, it is as natural as the sun coming up. It is biological as well as emotional. Many think that love is self sustaining and eternal. But, I have learned that without both the biological and emotional components, love becomes a distant memory. It is something that requires daily maintenance to some this equals work to others it is natural part of their lives. "Love is inherently free. It cannot be bought, sold, or traded. You cannot make someone love you, nor can you prevent it, for any amount of money. Love cannot be imprisoned nor can it be legislated. Love is not a substance, not a commodity, nor even a marketable power source. Love has no territory, no borders, no quantifiable mass or energy output." An article in Psychology Today points out, "Love speaks out for justice and protests when harm is being done. Love points out the consequences of hurting oneself or others. Love allows room for anger, grief, or pain to be expressed and released. But love does not threaten to withhold itself if it doesn't get what it wants. Love does not say, directly or indirectly, "If you are a bad boy, Mommy won't love you any more." Love does not say, "Daddy's little girl doesn't do that." Love does not say, "If you want to be loved you must be nice, or do what I want, or never love anyone else, or promise you'll never leave me."

For what it is worth, that is my 2 cents! Happiness is dependent on life instilled expectations whereas love is a independent of expectations or limitations.

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

You could never be intruding on any discussion I am in anyway!!! I value your wisdom and t***hs in your posts and always enjoy them.. Just as I absolute adore your wisdom here...

Relative to happiness it is a state of mind or euphoria depending on the degree you expierence at any moment.. Conditioned by our upbringing and personal goals of achievement in wh**ever it is or was that finished with " filling you with happiness".. It can be for any reason and lingers daily in those things we find happiness in..A flower, the love of a child, a smile from a complete stranger, an unexpected compliment.. Note my happiness or described happiness here comes from no material consideration because material means nothing to me.. Want nice things and work hard to have them it really is just a home, just a car, some money in the bank to ease worry but it does not define happiness for me...They are just things..

Your poppa was right!!

I love your summation of love and find complete agreement in it..
Love conquers all things and is unconditional in having it.. As you said it is not fabricated, forced, demanded etc.. It simply is~~ And it is euphoric in nature..To love or be loved brings everything within true existence..Every emotion you will expierence is magnified by being in love and wanting to nourish, and fulfill your dreams and goals with that one person that takes away your desire (selfishness) to do for yourself but rather do for him/her.or child or parent etc....That perfect one with all their flaws and wh**ever that is still your perfect one.... Love truly is independant of anything else!
Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own for without them you are incomplete..That simple my friend...

Are you familiar with our Fathers Agape love??? I like to believe in loving you it is defined as such..Understanding his love is unique but not different..I guess what I'm trying to say is to love you in that Agape love.. For truly there is no limitation of love...
And that is my two sense..(cents, since both apply..).🌹

Mr Bombastic

You are correct. That is just your opinion. If you really believe in God, how can you not believe that GOD decided what books were included in the Bible?

Steve700

Now that's Sick --- In a funny way!