Ah, yes, dear old Janis.

Allow me to repost from another thread.

There are religions based entirely on superstitions, there are religions that involve some elements of superstition, there are religions based on idolatry and false gods, there are religions based on demons and devil worship, there are religions based on multiple deities, and there are religions based on self-aggrandizement (these have a tendency to deify or exalt themselves), but the world's 3 monotheistic religions are not among them. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all soundly condemn superstition, idolatry, the worship of false gods, and self-exaltation.

Based on research in 230 countries, 84% of the world's population are religious to some degree or other. Worldwide, more than eight-in-ten people identify with a religious group. A third of these are Christians, a quarter are Muslims.

Creation is only unfathomable to those unwilling to accept the scientific hypothesis that wh**ever exists must have a cause, that something cannot come from nothing. Secular or non-religious scientists have attempted to skirt this issue with some rather extraordinary and far-fetched explanations, they have made some quite astounding claims, like Steven Hawkings saying the universe created itself from nothing.

Religious scientists are searching for answers, and so far their progress is promising. In the early 1900s, American astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered that what was once thought to be nebula (clouds of gas and dust) were actually galaxies of stars remote from our Milky Way, and he observed the Doppler Red Shift in distant galaxies, he determined that objects in space were receding away from each other, and that they were receding from a single point in time and space. Hubble played a crucial role in establishing the fields of extragalactic astronomy and observational cosmology and is regarded as one of the most important astronomers of all time, Hubble's findings fundamentally changed the scientific view of the universe. His discoveries slammed the lid on existing theories and hypotheses and opened a massive door to an entirely new field for research and discovery. It was a brand new day for cosmologists, astrophysicists, astronomers, and others in associated fields.

Scientists were then facing the fundamental question: If the universe emerged and expanded from a single point in space and time, what caused this? The Universal Law of Cause and Effect (causation) is immutable, it basically states that wherever there is a material effect, there must be an adequate cause and that no effect can be greater than its cause. The law of causation is applicable at all times to all causes and effects, including those that occur in life--all life. Natural and scientific laws are always dealing with causes and effects.

Since it is obvious that the universe is not eternal, and since it also is obvious that the universe could not have created itself, the only remaining alternative is that the universe was created by something. IOW, if the universe exists, which it does, it had a precedent cause. If before time and space nothing existed, then no natural or scientific laws existed. If no natural or scientific laws existed, what then could have caused the universe to exist? Tough questions. Scientists and theologians have, are still, and will continue to struggle with them. For atheists, these questions are a conundrum simply because they refuse to accept a cause for the existence of the universe and life itself. Especially if that cause goes by a specific name or title. Paradoxically, in denying an extrinsic cause, atheists have no basis for explaining their existence. The idea that something greater than themselves caused them to exist is offensive to them.

However, there are fundamental elements in the belief in God, or Creator, to which no natural or scientific laws apply, and these are in the realm of experience.

There are atheists, there are agnostics, and there are apostates, most of whom live their lives in relative harmony with their fellow believers, yet there are some among them who are activists. Wh**ever their ungodly reasons may be for doing so, they attack, vilify, and condemn those of us who believe. Christianity and Christians are their primary targets.

Lord Jesus Jesus made it clear that those of the world will h**e Christians because the world h**es Christ. If Christians were like the world—vain, earthly, sensual, and given to pleasure, wealth, and ambition—the world would not oppose us. But Christians do not belong to the world, which is why the world engages in Christian persecution (see John 15:18–19). Christians are influenced by different principles from those of the world. We are motivated by the love of God and His holiness, while the world is driven by the love of sin. It is our very separation from the world that arouses the world’s animosity (1 Peter 4:3–4).

Creation is no myth and belief in something greater than ourselves is not superstition.

Perhaps this will help bylm1. A while back, I outlined my theories on the subject of how we humans came about. I went back and found that post, copied and pasted it to share with you, for at the time it was posted, I don't think you folks were participating on the OPP forum.

I've since been reading a bit about the big k**l off of the Dinasores, and most all other living creatures when a meteorite smashed into earth. This too can be explained and fits nicely onto my superb theory of how our ancestors arrived, the reason for the great flood of biblical times, plus why a meteor was deliberately guided into planet earth.

The simple answer: So our robotic ancestors could be safely placed on earth. The small human-sized robots could not exist alongside these behemoth sized creatures.

Bear in mind that only one with a pearl of Godly wisdom could have deduced such a brilliant yet simple explanation for both theories.

Mar 11, 2017 14:30:10 #
Richard Rowland (a regular here) (online) Joined: Feb 6, 2014 Posts: 2935

Richard Rowland (a regular here) (online) Joined: Feb 6, 2014 Posts: 629

FYI the little girl story isn't featured here. It was featured elsewhere and was as indicated used as a lead-in.

The post (Little girl on an airplane) is an excellent lead-in, for the dazzling post, which I'm presenting for a simple and better understanding of how we so-called humans originated. Some-time-a-go I was reading a published report by a scientist whose field of expertise is that of robotics. His report explained what has been accomplished, and what can be expected from robots in the future.

The scientist explained that anything we humans can do, the robot will, also, be able to duplicate, except one all-important feature that hasn't yet been perfected: reproducing themselves. Possessing a highly intuitive brilliance, most mortals lack, I immediately had a theory. We, who think of ourselves as human, are nothing more than descendants from robots.

I've concluded that eons ago, the earth was seeded with primitive robots by creatures with a form I've yet to imagine, but of course, with a superlative intelligence far superior to anyone presently here on this planet, (except possibly, mine) and who had perfected the process enabling robots to reproduce.

Those, who brought our robotic forefathers here, were from a Galaxie far removed, however, had the ability to keep tabs on their experiment from afar. When discovering there was a problem, some of what took place can be found in biblical teachings. The purpose of the great flood, for instance, was to eliminate robots that had malfunctioned, the water causing shortcircuiting. The non-malfunctioning robots rode out the flood on the ark. And you know the story that follows.

Ah, yes, dear old Janis.

Allow me to repost from another thread.

There are religions based entirely on superstitions, there are religions that involve some elements of superstition, there are religions based on idolatry and false gods, there are religions based on demons and devil worship, there are religions based on multiple deities, and there are religions based on self-aggrandizement (these have a tendency to deify or exalt themselves), but the world's 3 monotheistic religions are not among them. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all soundly condemn superstition, idolatry, the worship of false gods, and self-exaltation.

Based on research in 230 countries, 84% of the world's population are religious to some degree or other. Worldwide, more than eight-in-ten people identify with a religious group. A third of these are Christians, a quarter are Muslims.

Creation is only unfathomable to those unwilling to accept the scientific hypothesis that wh**ever exists must have a cause, that something cannot come from nothing. Secular or non-religious scientists have attempted to skirt this issue with some rather extraordinary and far-fetched explanations, they have made some quite astounding claims, like Steven Hawkings saying the universe created itself from nothing.

Religious scientists are searching for answers, and so far their progress is promising. In the early 1900s, American astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered that what was once thought to be nebula (clouds of gas and dust) were actually galaxies of stars remote from our Milky Way, and he observed the Doppler Red Shift in distant galaxies, he determined that objects in space were receding away from each other, and that they were receding from a single point in time and space. Hubble played a crucial role in establishing the fields of extragalactic astronomy and observational cosmology and is regarded as one of the most important astronomers of all time, Hubble's findings fundamentally changed the scientific view of the universe. His discoveries slammed the lid on existing theories and hypotheses and opened a massive door to an entirely new field for research and discovery. It was a brand new day for cosmologists, astrophysicists, astronomers, and others in associated fields.

Scientists were then facing the fundamental question: If the universe emerged and expanded from a single point in space and time, what caused this? The Universal Law of Cause and Effect (causation) is immutable, it basically states that wherever there is a material effect, there must be an adequate cause and that no effect can be greater than its cause. The law of causation is applicable at all times to all causes and effects, including those that occur in life--all life. Natural and scientific laws are always dealing with causes and effects.

Since it is obvious that the universe is not eternal, and since it also is obvious that the universe could not have created itself, the only remaining alternative is that the universe was created by something. IOW, if the universe exists, which it does, it had a precedent cause. If before time and space nothing existed, then no natural or scientific laws existed. If no natural or scientific laws existed, what then could have caused the universe to exist? Tough questions. Scientists and theologians have, are still, and will continue to struggle with them. For atheists, these questions are a conundrum simply because they refuse to accept a cause for the existence of the universe and life itself. Especially if that cause goes by a specific name or title. Paradoxically, in denying an extrinsic cause, atheists have no basis for explaining their existence. The idea that something greater than themselves caused them to exist is offensive to them.

However, there are fundamental elements in the belief in God, or Creator, to which no natural or scientific laws apply, and these are in the realm of experience.

There are atheists, there are agnostics, and there are apostates, most of whom live their lives in relative harmony with their fellow believers, yet there are some among them who are activists. Wh**ever their ungodly reasons may be for doing so, they attack, vilify, and condemn those of us who believe. Christianity and Christians are their primary targets.

Lord Jesus Jesus made it clear that those of the world will h**e Christians because the world h**es Christ. If Christians were like the world—vain, earthly, sensual, and given to pleasure, wealth, and ambition—the world would not oppose us. But Christians do not belong to the world, which is why the world engages in Christian persecution (see John 15:18–19). Christians are influenced by different principles from those of the world. We are motivated by the love of God and His holiness, while the world is driven by the love of sin. It is our very separation from the world that arouses the world’s animosity (1 Peter 4:3–4).

Creation is no myth and belief in something greater than ourselves is not superstition.

Perhaps this will help bylm1. A while back, I outlined my theories on the subject of how we humans came about. I went back and found that post, copied and pasted it to share with you, for at the time it was posted, I don't think you folks were participating on the OPP forum.

I've since been reading a bit about the big k**l off of the Dinasores, and most all other living creatures when a meteorite smashed into earth. This too can be explained and fits nicely onto my superb theory of how our ancestors arrived, the reason for the great flood of biblical times, plus why a meteor was deliberately guided into planet earth.

The simple answer: So our robotic ancestors could be safely placed on earth. The small human-sized robots could not exist alongside these behemoth sized creatures.

Bear in mind that only one with a pearl of Godly wisdom could have deduced such a brilliant yet simple explanation for both theories.

Mar 11, 2017 14:30:10 #
Richard Rowland (a regular here) (online) Joined: Feb 6, 2014 Posts: 2935

Richard Rowland (a regular here) (online) Joined: Feb 6, 2014 Posts: 629

FYI the little girl story isn't featured here. It was featured elsewhere and was as indicated used as a lead-in.

The post (Little girl on an airplane) is an excellent lead-in, for the dazzling post, which I'm presenting for a simple and better understanding of how we so-called humans originated. Some-time-a-go I was reading a published report by a scientist whose field of expertise is that of robotics. His report explained what has been accomplished, and what can be expected from robots in the future.

The scientist explained that anything we humans can do, the robot will, also, be able to duplicate, except one all-important feature that hasn't yet been perfected: reproducing themselves. Possessing a highly intuitive brilliance, most mortals lack, I immediately had a theory. We, who think of ourselves as human, are nothing more than descendants from robots.

I've concluded that eons ago, the earth was seeded with primitive robots by creatures with a form I've yet to imagine, but of course, with a superlative intelligence far superior to anyone presently here on this planet, (except possibly, mine) and who had perfected the process enabling robots to reproduce.

Those, who brought our robotic forefathers here, were from a Galaxie far removed, however, had the ability to keep tabs on their experiment from afar. When discovering there was a problem, some of what took place can be found in biblical teachings. The purpose of the great flood, for instance, was to eliminate robots that had malfunctioned, the water causing shortcircuiting. The non-malfunctioning robots rode out the flood on the ark. And you know the story that follows.

I understand your uncertainty I did when I was young. But as I grew older I sat down and Kind of did a spring cleaning of myself and realized how many times I was but a step away from total disaster but hesitated and turned away because a small voice would cause me to hesitate and I would turn away, change my course and moved on this has occurred multiple time thru out my life and in many cases save me. At this point in my life, I am a firm believer in God but do not go to church because I see them as money machines and many don't even teach the bible in its true form but nitpick at one paragraph and take it out of context. I am not the most knowledgeable bible person on the forum nor do I try to be my choices which God gives to all of us in our path toward him are mine and I'm sure he will be grilling me on them at some point when I pass this life and leave it behind. We all have challenges as we move thru this life and I see them as a test to strengthen us to make us stronger and like any child, our father is teaching us this is what a good parent does and this is how I see him.I talk to him , thank him but not as often as I should but his voice is still there guiding me through as my time here as it becomes short and my hope is he will take my hand when it ends to guide to wh**ever destination he sees that I deserve because I have been and am a willful child and this my friend is what all of us are afraid of but must answer for in the end(our choices)

I was born Catholic, raised Baptist and grew up devoutly religious; saved, born again, and a frequent leader of the Sunday evening service at our church. Today, I am agnostic.

Former church-mates of mine are quite certain that I could not have been sincere if I am truly agnostic today. I have assured them, and now you, that I was as sincere then as I am now and I am as sincere as I can possibly be.

There may be a God, I don’t know, but the characterizations of God currently celebrated on planet Earth are pure fiction in my view.

Why do I say such a thing? Firstly, if God can truly do anything, why would He design a universe that cannibalizes itself at every level. Why would any omnipotent being create a system in which His greatest creations can only exist by destroying His other creations? The sadism in that design says nothing positive about a universal creator.

Secondly, if God is truly omniscient, knows all, past, present, future, He would have known from the very beginning of the pain and terror felt by every prey species and every mistreated child throughout the history of His Creations. Once again, the sadism in that behavior says nothing positive about such a universal creator.

Thirdly, if God really is omnipresent as advertised, He is an ever-present witness to all of the pain and agony, torture and death, loss and grief that He has designed into His creations. Finally, the sadism in that voyeuristic proposition says nothing positive about such a universal creator.

I do not object to anyone’s personal beliefs so long as they remain personal. I do not discourage any from their beliefs. I don’t know if it is possible to exist as a society without some omnipotent father figure somewhere in the mix. The current devaluation of the strong father archetype is having some very unfortunate and profound impacts on our ability to maintain and operate a civilized society. That is another of what I view as failures in the design.

It is not my goal here to attack or promote any belief. It is my intention to present an argument for open-mindedness. I know that is a difficult standard to maintain. It requires a constant review of one’s own feelings and information bases. It is not always a matter of conviction that leads us to separate conclusions. Sometimes it is merely a difference in point of view, or of information possessed, or of t***sient uncertainties.

Interesting that you say you that you believed and went through the mainstream affectations of this belief and now you no longer believe. You no longer have faith. Did you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior?
If you had this well tended relationship you would have known that choices are made by human beings. GOD gives us all free will to make choices. We are ALL given to making bad choices from time to time and cumulatively we have caused pain and suffering by choosing to follow the devil. Maybe we didn't pray for direction before each decision.
It sounds as though prayer may well be your prescription to get back on the road less travelled. Good advice for anyone questioning their faith.