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« on: July 27, 2003, 02:16:00 AM »
"It doesn't really bother me that people write off the Bible, saying it cannot be inspired, or if they say things like no one can have any authoritative understanding about God. Because what is at work in such statements is usually fear."
Who's really afraid here, buddy? Those of us who've actually read and studied the Bible or you?
"Anyone who is willing to die a martyr's death preaching that Jesus, the Messiah, rose from the dead has credibility in my book."
The Branch Davidians would LOVE you. They died martyrs' deaths, too. As did the Nike fans at Heaven's Gate, the inhabitants of Jonestown, the folks at Ruby Ridge, the 9/11 attackers, the Hamas suide bombers, the PLO, the and those gentle folks in Uganda a couple years ago. You're right: anyone willing to die for their beliefs HAS to be right.
"All of the "apostles of the Lamb" died a martyr's death (except Judas) and John who was reportedly dumped in scalding hot oil and wouldn't burn. These testified to the fact that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead and loved not their own lives even unto death. Even the secular records of history record the miracle working Jesus, and mention that many people saw him after his death"
No, actually, the only "secular" reference to Jesus was an obscure and meaningless mention by Josephus. Otherwise, there's no evidence he even existed. The only references we have to the deaths of the "saints" was from those whose power be increased if there was "evidence" that Jesus was God. Where are you getting this stuff? From "Evidence That Demands a Verdict?"
"Some of us need answers that lie beyond reasoning and human sympathy. I know I do. Criticize me if you want. I don't care. It is the truth."
Once again we see the "heads I win, tails you're spiritually deceived" approach to faith. If we point out your flawed logic, you're right because we're "rebelling against God." If we agree with you, that's God's grace at work.
"We are suspicious. About everybody. Even God is up to no good in our demented minds."
Sorry, but this has nothing to do with God. It has to do with Evangelical Christianity. Evangelical Christians HAVE to believe that disagreement with them is disagreement with god, and the rest of us are wrong until we hand you a certificate, written in Jehovah's handwriting, saying He doesn't exist.
"P.S. Please don't kill me. Thank you."
Bless you child. Poor thing. Poor persecuted Christian. Tom Delay, Bill Pryor, Roy Moore, and Pat Robertson will salute you in your courageous stand for the faith. Maybe James Dobson will even have you on his radio show.