[Wondergirl]

the Bible (we have today) was not intended to be correctly understood by simple minds.

But that's EXACTLY how the Bible says our minds are to be as we read it -- simple, uncluttered with complicated calculations and expectations, i.e. read it with the mind of a child.

[ITstudent2006]

Thanks for confirming what I already knew.

Not a problem at al..

P.S. Notice my avatar name is HeadStrongBoy. So at least I'm not misrepresenting myself.

Am I misrepresenting myself?
ITSTUDENT2006
ITstudent= I am a student of Information Technology, do I go to school? No, I graduated but being a student in the aspect that I am continually learning.

2006= I graduated in 2006..

I don't claim to be in the same league of testosterone filled manhood as yourself.

You see testosterone filled manhood? I see a man who sees through your faulty formulas, words, and disguise and doesn't refrain from pointing this out to you or to anybody. I call it like I see it, take it or leave it!

P.S. What is your opinion on evolution and the actual evidence provided by science.

[HeadStrongBoy]

Synnen: I still don't understand what events constitute the opening of the seals.

Much as I'd love to answer that, I do not have a concise reply ready for you. I also am learning much new information from the Bible as I progress in my walk. Though I believe I have a somewhat intuitive grasp of the issue of the opening of the seals without having filled in every last detail yet.

[HeadStrongBoy]

ITstudent2006:P.S. What is your opinion on evolution and the actual evidence provided by science.

In a nutshell, I believe the scientific evidence is open to interpretation. I'm inclined to believe that the Earth and the whole universe is no older than 13,022 years and about 10.5 months. Everything else must fit into that time framework. Otherwise Mr.Camping's time-line of history falls apart.

[NeedKarma]

[HeadStrongBoy]

How'd you do that ? P.S. the 'U' in Uber needs an umlaut. It's German, and it's pronounced UEBER. Uber means 'super' as in superior.

[NeedKarma]

I don't write the title they are autogenerated by this website. I studied german for a while but didn't use it much after my Europe travels so I'm quite familiar with the umlaut.

To embed a video you have to go into the Advanced posting feature and use the Youtube feature; then it's a matter of inserting the YouTube ID between the tags.

[HeadStrongBoy]

HSB: the Bible (we have today) was not intended to be correctly understood by simple minds.

WG: But that's EXACTLY how the Bible says our minds are to be as we read it -- simple, uncluttered with complicated calculations and expectations, i.e. read it with the mind of a child.

Your point of view might be the correct one IF the verses you're referring to (Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:14, and Luke 18:16) were the only ones that refer to the kingdom of heaven, and to the state of mind of believers. But unfortunately for you, they are not the only ones. The Bible is literally chock full of many other passages that explicitly teach the marvelous complexity of not only the physical creation but also of God's wonderful, mysterious, and multi-dimensional gospel. For example Romans 11:33. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out." Also Proverbs 4:7. "Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom. And with all thy getting get understanding." And Proverbs 25:2. "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing. But the honor of kings is to search out a matter."

[Curlyben]

One warning ONLY.

Keep it civil, or the BanHammer comes out.

[ITstudent2006]

In a nutshell, I believe the scientific evidence is open to interpretation..

And the Bible isn't?

[Synnen]

and the bible isn't?

*greenie*

[HeadStrongBoy]

HSB: But in very simple terms (which need to be further explained at a later time perhaps) is that the Bible (we have today) was not intended to be correctly understood by simple minds.

NK: Ah, so it's designed to be understood by small elite group. Gotcha.

Goodness me ! What was the phraseology you used about following or not following the intent of your line of reasoning a few pages back ? You're doing the same thing again. Going off on a conclusion that suits your particular frame of mind, rather than verifying what the other person really meant.

Let me explain it this way. The whole Bible is published in almost every civilized nation on Earth that has the technology of the printing press. And the Bible is available almost every place on the planet that has book stores. Clearly God wants it to be available universally. And it practically is. In that sense every ordinary citizen who can afford the price of a Bible can have access to all the published truths of God. But let's look at Mark 4:11,12. "And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. But unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables. That seeing they may see and not perceive. And hearing they may hear, and not understand. Lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

So... if you wish to call that elitism, please suit yourself. But the words are not mine. I only presented them for you to read. OK ?

[HeadStrongBoy]

HeadStrongBoy: In a nutshell, I believe the scientific evidence is open to interpretation..

ITstudent2006: And the Bible isn't?

Hello ? This is America. You personally are free to choose from a literal rainbow variety of churches, denominations, and interpretations galore. What is holding you back from enjoying that freedom ? Please, interpret to your heart's content. I certainly do not stand in your way.

[ITstudent2006]

And the Bible is available almost every place on the planet that has book stores. Clearly God wants it to be available universally. And it practically is.

You know what God wants? I know he didn't publish them and distribute them... the religious folk publish them and distribute them. Why? I don't know, I'm more of a Maxim, and Sports Illustrated follower myself! ;)

The truth is this. I asked you about evolution and you said that it was open for interpretation. How many ways can you interpret a 160,000 year old human skull? The damn things old, plain and simple! How can that be interpreted in any other way? Do you doubt radioisotopial studies? (it's scientifically proven to be accurate)

P.S. A lot older than 10,000 years and 10.5 months or whatever!

[HeadStrongBoy]

itstudent2006: and the bible isn't?

Synnen: *greenie*

What's a *greenie*?

[HeadStrongBoy]

HSB: And the Bible is available almost every place on the planet that has book stores. Clearly God wants it to be available universally. And it practically is.

ITstudent2006: You know what God wants? I know he didn't publish them and distribute them... the religious folk publish them and distribute them. Why? I don't know, I'm more of a Maxim, and Sports Illustrated follower myself! The truth is this. I asked you about evolution and you said that it was open for interpretation. How many ways can you interpret a 160,000 year skull? The damn things old, plain and simple! P.S. A lot older than 10,000 years and 10.5 months or whatever!

Reading your quote above looks to me like you're having a conversation with yourself. Whatever !

Yes I know some things that God wants. He clearly tells us many things He wants in the Bible. All you have to to is read them for yourself. But you're a Maxim and Sports Illustrated follower.

[southamerica]

Reading your quote above looks to me like you're having a conversation with yourself. Whatever !

Yes I know some things that God wants. He clearly tells us many things He wants in the Bible. All ya have to to is read them for yourself. But you're a Maxim and Sports Illustrated follower.

HSB-I am pretty sure you took IT's words out of context. He was referring to your assertion that God wants the bible to be universally available.

And making personal attacks as opposed to attacking the argument itself is a type of fallacy. It's rightly named "Personal Attack", and doesn't strengthen your point.

[Alty]

The answer is somewhat complex, in my opinion. But in very simple terms (which need to be further explained at a later time perhaps) is that the Bible (we have today) was not intended to be correctly understood by simple minds. After all the author is God Himself. Who could be more mysterious than the INFINITE God Himself to our tiny little minds ? But He has in these last days opened seven seals that make it possible to understand much more accurately IF we humbly follow His rules.

I have to ask. If God wrote the bible so that his "people" could understand him and follow him, then why would he make it so impossible to understand? After all, he is God, he could have made the bible clear so that every "simple minded" person could understand exactly what he expects.

Instead we have this debate. One person quotes a scripture, and then another person quotes a different scripture, both contradicting each other. So who's right and who's wrong? Both quotes come from this all powerful bible written by God.

Also, not to nitpick, but wasn't the bible written by mortal men? If God wrote it he should be getting the credit for it, not 40 guys that apparently plagiarized his great work.

[Wondergirl]

not 40 guys that apparently plagiarized his great work.

Forty guys?

[Alty]

Okay, maybe my Sunday school studies failed me, but was it not 40 men that wrote the bible? Apostles and prophets?