i have read over this post about 5 or 6 times. if i made the wrong call in posting it i'm sorry. i've done my best to write in humility. i hope it comes across that way.
first, lone... trying to fill your troll quota of the month or something? dang fella. i feel like i'm pretty good ignoring things when they lead no where, but you've sucked me in.
second, i'm not trying to stir the pot. you brought up many things in a public forum and then gave the offer to respond in private. i guess i could do that but i have no desire for a discussion. maybe i lack faith, but generally internet discussions about faith are WORTHLESS. so i'm not looking for any responses. but i did feel the need to respond to a few things. if this post is taken down that's fine. and as a matter of fact, if this needs to be taken down just tell me and i'll delete my own post.
third, thanks for letting me know what you think of me.
It is a long and ugly road with one side entrenched against the basic principles of the pursuit of truth.
forth (sort of a continuation of third), biblical faith is a faith based on reason. i did not grow up in church but later looked at evidence that has led me to where i am. are there things i can't answer? absolutely. and anyone (regardless of belief - including an atheistic belief) who is honest has to admit the same thing. all of us look at the evidence presented before us and make the best decision possible. are there some morons in every faith? yep. please don't lump all mankind together with them.
fifth, to say the world would be better off without religion is very short sighted. i could argue that atheism is bad because of all the death and suffering it has brought. stalin was responsible for the killings of 20 million plus in the name of the state. how about mao?
sixth, i am a christian. that's not a shocker to anyone on here. i believe in the Bible as God's Word. and about osama there are a few things that come to mind.
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles
Proverbs 24:17
Say to them, 'As I live!' declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live...
Ezekiel 33:11
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 5:44-46
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
II Peter 3:9
that's all i have to say on the subjects presented.
