[shunyadragon]

Originally posted by PhanthomOps, Shunnyadragon: Quote: "From the human perpective I do not think it is realistic to make a list of requirements you demand must be established, and try and make an informed decision on such a biased view." As we are only "Human", how do you suggest we approach the decision making process - regardless of the subject matter? As you have stated, you don't accept everything science states is fact - so how do you determine that which you will accept, and that which you will reject???

Of course, we are only human, but that is not the point. I believe we should approach the world with an open mind, explore and understand. With making demands and requirements, we find only what we want to find and that is likely far from reality.

This is a repeat of the problem of understanding science. Scientists do not take everything science states as fact. Everything in science is subject to change, based on research conducted according to the scientific methods. Skeptical critical evaluation and peer review subject all scientific knowledge, research and discoveries world wide. Falsification of previous research is common. The best example is Margaret Mead. Her research is no longer accepted and her conclusions are considered false.

That is unless you are suggesting that we take the Word of God, the Bible literally.

"Hell" - "a place regarded in some religions as the abode of the dead or of the condemned sinners and devils, a place or state of misery or wickedness" Re: Reader's Digest Oxford Complete Wordfinder. "Hell" Everlasting punishment Matthew 25:46, Preparedfor: the Devil and his angels Matthew 25:41, Wicked Revelations 21:8, the Beast and the false prophet Revelations 19:20, Worshippers of the beast Revelations 14:11, Rejectors of the Gospel Matthew 10:15 "Lake of Fire (final punishment)" where death and hades (hell) will be cast into Revelations 21:14

This view does not reflect current linquistic understanding of the words 'shaol' and 'gehenha' (sp?).

Quote: "You were raised believing in a Christianity and you still do."

I was raised basically in the Christian faith, but not fully indoctrinated or grounded in my faith. Subsequently, for quite a number of years I lived primarily as I wanted, sewed my wild oats, to some degree did what I wanted, sometimes good and sometimes bad. Eventually, I felt something tugging away at my conscience and emotions. At that time I was trying in my way to be a "good" Christian attending church, getting involved, etc, and couldn't find rest. I began to actively question what was happening, and I attended another church or two, and it was at this time that I realized although they were preaching the Word of God, they were holding back. A friend recommended attending a "Full Gospel" church which I started to do, and started really reading the Bible. As confused as I was, I made a list of what I felt were important requirements (a guide) for me to convinced one way or another in order to make a decision. Like Thomas, I wanted "proof". Eventually, my requirements were being met, and as I continued to read, I found that I was telling God what I wanted instead of asking what He wanted. At that point I realized that He had already shown me of His existance and the working of His Mighty Hand not only in my life, but of others as well. I still am not perfect, and really don't want to be on earth, it would scare me. However, my faith and belief in God is unshakable, and will continue until my human death.

Youthful wondering asside, your religious beliefs, like most, remain as indoctrinated as a child.