Your Enemy
The fool trusts in his own heart.17 total reviews
Comment from Jonesy
"All other ways are mere conjectures of spiritually blind men."
As an agnostic and someone who tries to be an objectively-minded person, I often look at quotes like the one above from this article and think about the hypocrisy inherent in any belief system surrounding "how we got here".
If someone believes their way is the only way, then of course everyone else must be wrong. Pretty hard to be tolerant of other beliefs given that line-in-the-sand outlook, isn't it? Where the hypocrisy comes in is everyone who has this outlook expects their beliefs to be tolerated while denigrating everyone else's.
I'm not trying to pick on the author here. I hope that's understood. What I'm saying is this kind of attitude is universal and transcends religious belief, or non-belief.
What it does though is make me extremely worried our species may be caught in an eternal struggle against ourselves. That we'll never fully accept people who don't believe as we do, don't act as we do.
Anyway, I've read some other articles from this author and find the thoughts presented to be considered and well written. I don't agree with them, but hey, that's okay. What the author's belief system does do though is force me to remember they should be tolerated.
So I thank you for that.
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2015
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"All other ways are mere conjectures of spiritually blind men."
As an agnostic and someone who tries to be an objectively-minded person, I often look at quotes like the one above from this article and think about the hypocrisy inherent in any belief system surrounding "how we got here".
If someone believes their way is the only way, then of course everyone else must be wrong. Pretty hard to be tolerant of other beliefs given that line-in-the-sand outlook, isn't it? Where the hypocrisy comes in is everyone who has this outlook expects their beliefs to be tolerated while denigrating everyone else's.
I'm not trying to pick on the author here. I hope that's understood. What I'm saying is this kind of attitude is universal and transcends religious belief, or non-belief.
What it does though is make me extremely worried our species may be caught in an eternal struggle against ourselves. That we'll never fully accept people who don't believe as we do, don't act as we do.
Anyway, I've read some other articles from this author and find the thoughts presented to be considered and well written. I don't agree with them, but hey, that's okay. What the author's belief system does do though is force me to remember they should be tolerated.
So I thank you for that.
Comment Written 17-Oct-2015
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2015
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Friend Jonesy, Because there are many claiming their way is the only right way does not preclude the possibility that there is, indeed, only one way. Christ said of Himself, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Perhaps tolerating all views is really a pat on ones own back for the failure to believe Christ? Thanks for reading and commenting. Dennis
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Hello Dennis,
No, I am not patting myself on the back for failing to believe in Christ, or Buddha or the prophet Mohammad, or any other supernatural deity.
My comments were meant to show the inherent arrogance of religious belief, or even atheism for that matter. We have no definitive proof, at all, of how that first spark of life actually started and yet we spend so much time and energy trying to prove we?re right, and by extension everyone who doesn?t believe the same wrong.
Hmmm, now that I think about it, you might be right and I am patting myself on the back for following a belief system (agnostic) that is the only one that makes sense to me. Of course everyone else does the same thing so not sure if there?s any real reason to bring it up.
Take care
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Hello Dennis,
No, I am not patting myself on the back for failing to believe in Christ, or Buddha or the prophet Mohammad, or any other supernatural deity.
My comments were meant to show the inherent arrogance of religious belief, or even atheism for that matter. We have no definitive proof, at all, of how that first spark of life actually started and yet we spend so much time and energy trying to prove we?re right, and by extension everyone who doesn?t believe the same wrong.
Hmmm, now that I think about it, you might be right and I am patting myself on the back for following a belief system (agnostic) that is the only one that makes sense to me. Of course everyone else does the same thing so not sure if there?s any real reason to bring it up.
Take care
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Jonesy, you are a thinking man. Christianity is based on many facts but the greatest is the bodily resurrection of Christ. Since He rose from the dead, it stands to reason all of His teachings on all subjects are validated. And by extension, all scripture, since He continually upheld the Divine inspiration of the scriptures.
So you must choose. Agnosticism will not stop the hands of time and one day you will know the truth. I sincerely hope you follow the path which leads to conversion to Jesus Christ. God bless, Dennis
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Hello Dennis,
I think we've probably run our course with this, but the last thing I'd like to mention is I could go to
my closest Mosque, Temple or Synagogue, etc and quickly find someone to tell me their way is the only way
with every bit the conviction you clearly have.
But all would have something in common, which is none could provide the slightest objective evidence of the truth. If they could, then pretty much everyone would believe as they do. For instance, just saying Christ rose from the dead and is our savior whether we choose to believe that or not is a fact, does not make
it so. As a "thinking man", I need a little more than words written in a book thousands of years ago with
absolutely nothing else to back it up.
And Dennis, I have chosen. I've chosen the only belief system that makes sense ... to me.
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Research the resurrection...other agnostics and atheists have and found it to be a historical fact. Spiritually blind people can only go by what makes sense to them so you are limited to your own perceptions without outside input. Please think about it. Thanks, Dennis
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I have thought about it Dennis, and see no reason to believe in any of man's religions.
BTW - Many former Christians of come to realize there's no reason to believe in something that can't be proven in any way. So your point that some atheists, etc have come to accept Christ works both ways, yeah?
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Good point except the resurrection is a fact that does not need faith to make it true. Another thing to consider is the scripture plainly states that men in general do not want to know God and are actively fighting against the knowledge of God made plain by creation itself, as well as the scriptures.
I think you might agree our world is falling apart and aside as to who is to blame, what do you see for our world's future? I really want to know what you think about this...it's not a set-up to "get" you. :) Dennis
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Dennis,
I don't think there's anything to say here; you have your beliefs and I have mine.
As far as what going on in the world, that's a different discussion that doesn't have relevance to your article or what we've discussed.
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Dennis,
I don't think there's anything to say here; you have your beliefs and I have mine.
As far as what going on in the world, that's a different discussion that doesn't have relevance to your article or what we've discussed.
Comment from Donna G. (aka Sam Duck)
Your chosen image goes well with this piece. It is a good reminder of what God does for us, in saving us from our enemies, even when it is ourselves! Thanks for sharing!
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2015
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Your chosen image goes well with this piece. It is a good reminder of what God does for us, in saving us from our enemies, even when it is ourselves! Thanks for sharing!
Comment Written 16-Oct-2015
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2015
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Thanks Sam! Dennis
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
An interesting spiritual piece you've
posted, Deniz - most thought-provoking..
a couple of minor things;
a Christian today.Stop thinking - space needed after period
at the last day."John 6:40 - space after inverted commas
Margaret
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2015
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An interesting spiritual piece you've
posted, Deniz - most thought-provoking..
a couple of minor things;
a Christian today.Stop thinking - space needed after period
at the last day."John 6:40 - space after inverted commas
Margaret
Comment Written 16-Oct-2015
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2015
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Thanks.
Comment from chasennov
The fool trusts in his own heart. "Your Enemy" So many stories found in the Bible are typical real life experiences mirrored. The Bible has an abundance of true -to-life events for comparison, This is well done.
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2015
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The fool trusts in his own heart. "Your Enemy" So many stories found in the Bible are typical real life experiences mirrored. The Bible has an abundance of true -to-life events for comparison, This is well done.
Comment Written 15-Oct-2015
reply by the author on 15-Oct-2015
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Thank you for reading and commenting. Dennis
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You are welcome.
Comment from MacMhuirich
Amen my friend. What a blessing it is to read words of faith like this, and who knows, it may well just be the touch paper someone needs to take the final step.
May God bless you for writing the truth in love.
Bless you
John
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2015
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Amen my friend. What a blessing it is to read words of faith like this, and who knows, it may well just be the touch paper someone needs to take the final step.
May God bless you for writing the truth in love.
Bless you
John
Comment Written 14-Oct-2015
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2015
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Thank you, dear brother in Christ! Dennis
Comment from c_lucas
People tend to forget that Jesus was God in human form. As such, he was prone to mistakes. This is very well written with an interesting flow of words.
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2015
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People tend to forget that Jesus was God in human form. As such, he was prone to mistakes. This is very well written with an interesting flow of words.
Comment Written 14-Oct-2015
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2015
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However, Jesus was a different man than all others. He was sinless and thus beyond "mistakes". All of His teaching was grounded in the scriptures which are infallible, even as He is in all His ways. Thanks for reading and commenting. Dennis
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You're welcome, Deniz. Charlie
Comment from JTStone
I love and respect your conviction. I glad you feel that you are right and just by the God of your choosing in the words that you use. Good for you.
I don't believe as you do. But I feel you, in your heart, are doing and saying the right thing by your faith.
Just my thoughts
JT
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2015
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I love and respect your conviction. I glad you feel that you are right and just by the God of your choosing in the words that you use. Good for you.
I don't believe as you do. But I feel you, in your heart, are doing and saying the right thing by your faith.
Just my thoughts
JT
Comment Written 13-Oct-2015
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2015
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Thank you for your kind words to me but more important is what do you think of Jesus? He claimed to be God in the flesh and said He is the only way to Heaven. Is He a liar? A lunatic? Or the Lord of glory?
I hope you will investigate Him and I suggest you read the Gospel of John for yourself. This book was written for the express purpose of helping us to have faith in Jesus and thus enter into a whole new life. God bless you, Dennis
Comment from royowen
This viscose true brother Dennis, "The Lord merciful and gracious and is slow to anger...." Ex 34:6, James 1:19, numerous places, a wonderful God! So when people ask why doesn't He judge the wicked, I say, He doesn't want anybody to fall through the cracks, even you! Well done, Dear friend, fire those spiritual bullets! Well done, blessings, Roy.
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2015
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This viscose true brother Dennis, "The Lord merciful and gracious and is slow to anger...." Ex 34:6, James 1:19, numerous places, a wonderful God! So when people ask why doesn't He judge the wicked, I say, He doesn't want anybody to fall through the cracks, even you! Well done, Dear friend, fire those spiritual bullets! Well done, blessings, Roy.
Comment Written 13-Oct-2015
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2015
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Thank you dear brother! God bless you, Dennis
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My pleasure bro.
Comment from MelB
Amen and Amen. Preach it Dennis! I pray many who are not believers will read this and receive the truth of God's teaching before it is too late. Time is running out, as we are getting closer and closer to Jesus eminent return. May God bless you for speaking the truth in love.
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2015
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Amen and Amen. Preach it Dennis! I pray many who are not believers will read this and receive the truth of God's teaching before it is too late. Time is running out, as we are getting closer and closer to Jesus eminent return. May God bless you for speaking the truth in love.
Comment Written 13-Oct-2015
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2015
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Thank you so much for your encouraging words! God bless you today, Dennis
Comment from GE Parson
SIX STARS FOR THE WORD OF GOD.
Howdy Rowdy, my fellow servant of the Lord. As I was readin
this excellent message I was eminded of a warning text in Roman 2:4-5 which in summation warns those to whom God has shown mercy giving them oppotunity to repent . But every hour they do not they build up the fire of God's judgment against them."
I'm down today as last nights news was about a young man arrested for murder. This man is a member of our church,
who had just recently been baptized and was showing evidence of having Ben saved. But gradually he started slowing down
missing couch, running with his old gang (Crips) I and othes, including pastor kept trying to "reproof him and correct him."
Well just have to leave him in God,s care
MARANATHA YBIC
reply by the author on 13-Oct-2015
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SIX STARS FOR THE WORD OF GOD.
Howdy Rowdy, my fellow servant of the Lord. As I was readin
this excellent message I was eminded of a warning text in Roman 2:4-5 which in summation warns those to whom God has shown mercy giving them oppotunity to repent . But every hour they do not they build up the fire of God's judgment against them."
I'm down today as last nights news was about a young man arrested for murder. This man is a member of our church,
who had just recently been baptized and was showing evidence of having Ben saved. But gradually he started slowing down
missing couch, running with his old gang (Crips) I and othes, including pastor kept trying to "reproof him and correct him."
Well just have to leave him in God,s care
MARANATHA YBIC
Comment Written 13-Oct-2015
reply by the author on 13-Oct-2015
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It seems Satan hates to see a soul get saved so he attacks the new borns. May God give you grace to continue ministering to him....God has lots of "lifers" on death row, by all accounts.
I got some New Ager's responses to this piece so had a chance to follow up. Let's keep prayin' brother! YBIC, Dennis