I wonder is he has read Mere Christianity or any C.S. Lewis.
Christianity is not a cult of brainwashed myrmidons. Reason always accompanies faith. It is lazy and apathetic to hear a criticism and dismiss an entire topic with no further thought.
"A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it. People who go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic."
~Timothy Keller
"...what God cares about... is that we should be creatures of a certain kind or quality... God wants thinking men, not feeling men"
It has been said that the danger of the recession of Christianity is not that people won't believe in anything, it's that they WILL believe in anything.
People are finding the damndest (literally) stuff to stick in their God-shaped holes.
How truly warming when former naysayers approach the truth of The Word. Now, when Mr. Sanger, in his spiritual journey, does fully embrace Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, the complete knowledge -- far beyond all of Wikipedia's -- of what is meaningful in this life will be his. He'll know the joy of salvation. His journey to live a life glorifying God will be underway. And his heart, not merely his mind, will tell him that, as a child of the Promise, a share of Christ's eternal life and glory awaits.
I am convinced Elon Musk is trolling the left by getting them to say "Big Balls" live on the air. Of course the term probably triggers them as they seem to be very anti ballish these days and feeling the need to lop them off at the first opportunity.
It is ironic that the same day Erick posts about Larry Sanger's conversion to Christianity that he continues to abuse RFK and those who support him. Is it possible that RFK has been converted? And to say that those Republicans are sock puppets is a bit too far for me.
While I respect Erick having his own opinion, I could easily say perhaps he is a sock puppet of the pharmaceutical mob because of their care for his wife. I don't think so, the same way I don't think those Republicans who vote for RFK are sock puppets. They are accountable to their constituents.
I have an acquaintance who is fully gay and married to a same sex partner. They told me how grateful and blessed they were to now be going to church and how they feel redemption...... It was one of these churches that now preaches "Affirmation" and that's ok to be gay.
However, they are still married to their same sex partner and the church is applauding their membership. This is the point I am trying to emphasize. I have seen the lefts watering down of the church message into "Be what you are, do what you want so long as you proclaim to love Jesus."
That's not Christianity. There God is not the God of Israel or Christians. They worship something else.
Then I get the argument "What about the adulterers in straight sex marriages..."
Obviously sinners too but you don't hear the preacher stand up and say "This is ok, God will forgive you and you may continue with your cheating ways."
NO, Jesus said "Go and sin no more.."
Now obviously people will continue to sin, that's humanity but those who continue to seek forgiveness and try to repent is the point. Gay people who come to church but continue in their lifestyle are still sinners and the churches giving them a green check mark is not helping.
These people, LIKE Rfk and yes even Trump need to come to realize the burdens of their sin and stand before Jesus here on earth to seek forgiveness. Better that than standing before God and he proclaims to not know them for they never sought him out.
Everyone will have to face judgment, it is irresponsible for these affirming churches to not offer proper representations to these Gay people about what is going to happen. Almost a sin itself.
I have no argument with what you say. We don't know RFK's state other than what we read or see in the media. I am willing to give him a chance and call him out if he strays.
Sanger's commentary made my day: Clear and eminently understandable to this former weak believer.
The "angels and demons" are features both of gnostic tradition and of the Eastern Orthodox faith. You might enjoy reading "The Soul After Death" by Fr. Seraphim Rose ... it covers in detail Orthodox beliefs about the demonic powers resident in the air, and the River Styx-like "tollbooths" the soul must negotiate as it rises to its eternal rest.
I will write this once again Erick. If Jesus had made his decision based upon Saul’s resume he never would have picked him. Yet he turned out to be the right man for the job Jesus wanted to fulfill.
Jesus also picked Judas. And let's not forget about sending Jonah to Assyria to urge repentance so Assyria could be used to wipe out Israel. God's plans are always perfect, even if the results are not what we expect.
SP, our fellow Americans from the other side say that Trump has already appointed Satin and his associate little Satin. Their names are Musk and Big Balls.
I trust that you have an enormous amount of source material far more comprehensive than mine. I seldom feel a pressing need to corroborate your information, for that I thank you.
At times, however, I do note that you step out from the factual pulpit to intertwine a degree of bias and opinion, albeit in small amounts. Interestingly, one in particular involves Kennedy. Not your most egregious, just most recent.
You had earlier assigned causality to his wife's suicide during broadcast where here you use the term "provoked". Kudos! I can't tell if you caught your misstep, or, as often happens, were more considerate and precise in the writing of it.
But, I do not see confirmation as a carte blanche approval of his errant character or his contribution to his wife's suicide as relevant to his performance in an administrative slot. Vile, perhaps he is, but he isn't getting voted on to be your neighbor, date a daughter, or preach the gospel, each of which might be more relevant to his sordid lack of character.
Regarding RFKJ, welcome to Trump World. Republican congresspeople can no longer vote their conscience without being primaried. For almost all, their fear of the wrath of King Don is greater than their devotion to their country or the Constitution. This has been evident since February 13, 2021, when only handful of truly patriotic Senate Republicans had the guts to vote to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial. Also, the date that this lifelong Republican became an Independent.
I agree with you on RFK. I don’t support him however he will be confirmed and that’s that. Neither you nor I have much control over that now. If trump was at my doorstep and asked if tell him to thank RFK for his help and then dump the SOB. Not worth dwelling on in my opinion at this point.
As for the AMNM, sorry they got caught. We shall see if they are really committed. However I do like the versus they use. That’s what people don’t understand including that preacher who said Jesus wanted violence. NO.
Jesus said in one sentence what needed to be said. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. And give to God what is Gods.”
Follow the law unless it conflicts with the Bible’s teachings. But even then you don’t break the law or react violently.
The left doesn’t get that.
I am grateful and happy when anyone repents and it is true about the Hollywood cult obsession. The reason is their accumulated wealth and power have given them a god complex. They think why do I need to be holy and humble thyself when they have all of the power and influence and a mass of people worshipping them. They turn thy will be done to “my will be done”. I appreciate his philosophical approach to Christianity let’s just hope he also adds the spiritual connection as well. The Bible is not the end nor beginning. It is a means to an end. So if he is basing his entire argument for God on the Bible it’s a house of cards. Christianity unlike other false religions that have popped up, doesn’t need a Bible to exist. For thousands of years of faith, we didn’t have it yet God existed and persisted. I sincerely hope he figures that out.
All these pop stars and celebrities seek out false gods. But it’s the fact that they do which is telling. Every human spirit sees a form of deity even if they claim to be an atheist. Why? Because every human being is created by the almighty God and that seeking or wanting is his calling them home. Problem many call the wrong number.
Lastly, I appreciate people who come to faith. But it has to be “come as you are” not “stay as you are”
I sin yet I seek forgiveness. I’ve done terrible things and many that I am regretful for. Yet I do not seek to repeat them. It is why these “reformed” churches that canonize gay marriage and relationships are extremely dangerous and leading these people into hell. That’s all I have to say for now on that.
You reminded me of Kanye West and his “conversion.”
The Bible may not be a means to an end but it is the Word, the clearest version of God’s will and character. I firmly believe the church cannot survive without it.
Thank you for your post, one thing I want to say that unless the Holy Spirit is within you or convicting you the Bible is very hard to understand. If a person is seeking God and reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit will direct them. If a person accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior the Holy Spirit dwells within that person and the Bible will come alive for them as they study. This may not be an overnight thing but may be gradual as this person continues to seek God, the one true God. Blessing to this man as he seeks to know God. God has given us His Word to speak to us, teach us, direct us, equip us and let us learn of His Grace, it is a journey for me of a journey of many years. I pray that more and more people will seek God in their lives.
Correct. So long as we aren’t in a state of persistent disagreements like the left is. Who I am convinced stub their toe in the dark and blame Trump. They will probably be blaming him for next 49 years.
Assuming the left doesn’t go totally bonkers and kill all their children and in turn their children’s children it is highly likely that after a thousand generations TDS will still exist.
I undoubtedly believe that. On the flip side you don't hear people still overtly going nuts over what Bill Clinton did 20+ years ago. Heck i think the Obama animosity is all but gone.
Hi Eric! You're exactly right about RFK, Jr. I suspect that if you were to talk off the record to many of the Republicans who will vote to confirm him, they would agree with you, but dare not lest the Trump smear machine destroy their careers. I think a lot of conservatives are hanging on for dear life, hoping that Trump will eventually be gone and they can start voting like conservatives again without fear of being smeared as RINOs.
Larry Sanger
I wonder is he has read Mere Christianity or any C.S. Lewis.
Christianity is not a cult of brainwashed myrmidons. Reason always accompanies faith. It is lazy and apathetic to hear a criticism and dismiss an entire topic with no further thought.
"A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it. People who go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic."
~Timothy Keller
"...what God cares about... is that we should be creatures of a certain kind or quality... God wants thinking men, not feeling men"
~C.S. Lewis
I personally want to give Kennedy a chance--if he does half of what he says he'll do, our country will be way better off than it is now.
It has been said that the danger of the recession of Christianity is not that people won't believe in anything, it's that they WILL believe in anything.
People are finding the damndest (literally) stuff to stick in their God-shaped holes.
Someone should send that PCA statement to the Pope.
How truly warming when former naysayers approach the truth of The Word. Now, when Mr. Sanger, in his spiritual journey, does fully embrace Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, the complete knowledge -- far beyond all of Wikipedia's -- of what is meaningful in this life will be his. He'll know the joy of salvation. His journey to live a life glorifying God will be underway. And his heart, not merely his mind, will tell him that, as a child of the Promise, a share of Christ's eternal life and glory awaits.
I hope he gets there.
I am convinced Elon Musk is trolling the left by getting them to say "Big Balls" live on the air. Of course the term probably triggers them as they seem to be very anti ballish these days and feeling the need to lop them off at the first opportunity.
It is ironic that the same day Erick posts about Larry Sanger's conversion to Christianity that he continues to abuse RFK and those who support him. Is it possible that RFK has been converted? And to say that those Republicans are sock puppets is a bit too far for me.
While I respect Erick having his own opinion, I could easily say perhaps he is a sock puppet of the pharmaceutical mob because of their care for his wife. I don't think so, the same way I don't think those Republicans who vote for RFK are sock puppets. They are accountable to their constituents.
Converting is one thing, repenting is another.
I have an acquaintance who is fully gay and married to a same sex partner. They told me how grateful and blessed they were to now be going to church and how they feel redemption...... It was one of these churches that now preaches "Affirmation" and that's ok to be gay.
However, they are still married to their same sex partner and the church is applauding their membership. This is the point I am trying to emphasize. I have seen the lefts watering down of the church message into "Be what you are, do what you want so long as you proclaim to love Jesus."
That's not Christianity. There God is not the God of Israel or Christians. They worship something else.
Then I get the argument "What about the adulterers in straight sex marriages..."
Obviously sinners too but you don't hear the preacher stand up and say "This is ok, God will forgive you and you may continue with your cheating ways."
NO, Jesus said "Go and sin no more.."
Now obviously people will continue to sin, that's humanity but those who continue to seek forgiveness and try to repent is the point. Gay people who come to church but continue in their lifestyle are still sinners and the churches giving them a green check mark is not helping.
These people, LIKE Rfk and yes even Trump need to come to realize the burdens of their sin and stand before Jesus here on earth to seek forgiveness. Better that than standing before God and he proclaims to not know them for they never sought him out.
Everyone will have to face judgment, it is irresponsible for these affirming churches to not offer proper representations to these Gay people about what is going to happen. Almost a sin itself.
I have no argument with what you say. We don't know RFK's state other than what we read or see in the media. I am willing to give him a chance and call him out if he strays.
God's Word is incredibly powerful and able to change the hearts and minds of men. He did that for me. Thank you Lord!
Sanger's commentary made my day: Clear and eminently understandable to this former weak believer.
The "angels and demons" are features both of gnostic tradition and of the Eastern Orthodox faith. You might enjoy reading "The Soul After Death" by Fr. Seraphim Rose ... it covers in detail Orthodox beliefs about the demonic powers resident in the air, and the River Styx-like "tollbooths" the soul must negotiate as it rises to its eternal rest.
I will write this once again Erick. If Jesus had made his decision based upon Saul’s resume he never would have picked him. Yet he turned out to be the right man for the job Jesus wanted to fulfill.
Jesus also picked Judas. And let's not forget about sending Jonah to Assyria to urge repentance so Assyria could be used to wipe out Israel. God's plans are always perfect, even if the results are not what we expect.
Maybe Trump should nominate Satan for some administration position. His talent for managing many people is evident.
Wait..... I thought Trump was already Satan??
SP, our fellow Americans from the other side say that Trump has already appointed Satin and his associate little Satin. Their names are Musk and Big Balls.
So, I guess you could say that Musk and his bro squad are "knights in white satin."
Time to put on that old Moody Blues album..
That’s good humor. I guess if Musk and Big Balls were really funny guys we could say that they were Trump’s cards.
You are a good sport, Kern. Have a great day.
I’m delighted Erick is so butt hurt over RFK Jr.
I am willing to give you delight in exchange for your money. Thank you.
I am glad to see you duking it out in the Comments Section, Erick. It can only help to sharpen your wit.
🤔🤣🤣🤣
I trust that you have an enormous amount of source material far more comprehensive than mine. I seldom feel a pressing need to corroborate your information, for that I thank you.
At times, however, I do note that you step out from the factual pulpit to intertwine a degree of bias and opinion, albeit in small amounts. Interestingly, one in particular involves Kennedy. Not your most egregious, just most recent.
You had earlier assigned causality to his wife's suicide during broadcast where here you use the term "provoked". Kudos! I can't tell if you caught your misstep, or, as often happens, were more considerate and precise in the writing of it.
But, I do not see confirmation as a carte blanche approval of his errant character or his contribution to his wife's suicide as relevant to his performance in an administrative slot. Vile, perhaps he is, but he isn't getting voted on to be your neighbor, date a daughter, or preach the gospel, each of which might be more relevant to his sordid lack of character.
When compared to both Trump’s and Hegseth’s character, I don’t think RFL is much worse. It’s his views on abortion that are a bridge too far for me.
More and more, I am getting the feeling that many Christians would vote for Satan himself if Trump endorsed him.
Maybe, don't know. I wouldn't vote for him because of that though.
Perhaps it is time for you to talk with a shrink about your feelings, my friend. Even one with a (R) after his name would be OK.
Thanks for sharing the Sanger bit. As a philosophy nerd myself, it is printing now as I enjoy coffee.
Regarding RFKJ, welcome to Trump World. Republican congresspeople can no longer vote their conscience without being primaried. For almost all, their fear of the wrath of King Don is greater than their devotion to their country or the Constitution. This has been evident since February 13, 2021, when only handful of truly patriotic Senate Republicans had the guts to vote to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial. Also, the date that this lifelong Republican became an Independent.
Gee, wasn’t it just the other day that you were talking about judging people?
More observation than judgement.
Yo southern P. I always suspected from your missives that at your core you were a disappointed Conservative. The jig is up.
No need to be suspect. You hit the nail on the head.
Bring back Pat Buchanan ... I'll vote for him next cycle.
Well, Pat was Trump before there was Trump. ;)
I agree with you on RFK. I don’t support him however he will be confirmed and that’s that. Neither you nor I have much control over that now. If trump was at my doorstep and asked if tell him to thank RFK for his help and then dump the SOB. Not worth dwelling on in my opinion at this point.
As for the AMNM, sorry they got caught. We shall see if they are really committed. However I do like the versus they use. That’s what people don’t understand including that preacher who said Jesus wanted violence. NO.
Jesus said in one sentence what needed to be said. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. And give to God what is Gods.”
Follow the law unless it conflicts with the Bible’s teachings. But even then you don’t break the law or react violently.
The left doesn’t get that.
I am grateful and happy when anyone repents and it is true about the Hollywood cult obsession. The reason is their accumulated wealth and power have given them a god complex. They think why do I need to be holy and humble thyself when they have all of the power and influence and a mass of people worshipping them. They turn thy will be done to “my will be done”. I appreciate his philosophical approach to Christianity let’s just hope he also adds the spiritual connection as well. The Bible is not the end nor beginning. It is a means to an end. So if he is basing his entire argument for God on the Bible it’s a house of cards. Christianity unlike other false religions that have popped up, doesn’t need a Bible to exist. For thousands of years of faith, we didn’t have it yet God existed and persisted. I sincerely hope he figures that out.
All these pop stars and celebrities seek out false gods. But it’s the fact that they do which is telling. Every human spirit sees a form of deity even if they claim to be an atheist. Why? Because every human being is created by the almighty God and that seeking or wanting is his calling them home. Problem many call the wrong number.
Lastly, I appreciate people who come to faith. But it has to be “come as you are” not “stay as you are”
I sin yet I seek forgiveness. I’ve done terrible things and many that I am regretful for. Yet I do not seek to repeat them. It is why these “reformed” churches that canonize gay marriage and relationships are extremely dangerous and leading these people into hell. That’s all I have to say for now on that.
Kennedy need the road to Damascus moment.
You reminded me of Kanye West and his “conversion.”
The Bible may not be a means to an end but it is the Word, the clearest version of God’s will and character. I firmly believe the church cannot survive without it.
Thank you for your post, one thing I want to say that unless the Holy Spirit is within you or convicting you the Bible is very hard to understand. If a person is seeking God and reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit will direct them. If a person accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior the Holy Spirit dwells within that person and the Bible will come alive for them as they study. This may not be an overnight thing but may be gradual as this person continues to seek God, the one true God. Blessing to this man as he seeks to know God. God has given us His Word to speak to us, teach us, direct us, equip us and let us learn of His Grace, it is a journey for me of a journey of many years. I pray that more and more people will seek God in their lives.
Amen.
I like reading what you have to say. I don't always agree with it, but I don't think that we are suppose to agree with everyone.
Correct. So long as we aren’t in a state of persistent disagreements like the left is. Who I am convinced stub their toe in the dark and blame Trump. They will probably be blaming him for next 49 years.
Assuming the left doesn’t go totally bonkers and kill all their children and in turn their children’s children it is highly likely that after a thousand generations TDS will still exist.
I undoubtedly believe that. On the flip side you don't hear people still overtly going nuts over what Bill Clinton did 20+ years ago. Heck i think the Obama animosity is all but gone.
Hi Eric! You're exactly right about RFK, Jr. I suspect that if you were to talk off the record to many of the Republicans who will vote to confirm him, they would agree with you, but dare not lest the Trump smear machine destroy their careers. I think a lot of conservatives are hanging on for dear life, hoping that Trump will eventually be gone and they can start voting like conservatives again without fear of being smeared as RINOs.