Readers’ Responses to Our Question (206)

Christmas is not Christian.

Not all beliefs and customs are bad. But God does not approve of them if they come from false religion or are against Bible teachings.(Matthew 15:6).

Jesus was not born on December 25. He was born about October 1, a time of year when shepherds kept their flocks out-of-doors at night. (Luke 2:8-12) Jesus never commanded Christians to celebrate his birth. Rather, he told his disciples to memorialize, or remember, his death. (Luke 22:19, 20) Christmas and its customs come from ancient false religions.
The Encyclopedia Americana says: "Most of the customs now associated with Christmas were not originally Christmas customs but rather were pre-Christian and non-Christian customs taken up by the Christian church. Saturnalia, a Roman feast celebrated in mid-December, provided the model for many of the merry-making customs of Christmas. From this celebration, for example, were derived the elaborate feasting, the giving of gifts, and the burning of candles."
Christmas, or the Nativity, was not celebrated by early Christians. One encyclopedia says about this: "The celebration was not observed in the first centuries of the Christian church, since the Christian usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth." The Bible links the celebration of birthdays with pagans, not with God's true worshipers. (Matthew 14:6-10)
This does not mean that it is not beneficial to learn and remember the actual events involved in the birth of the Son of God. The factual Bible account provides important insights and lessons for all those who want to do God's will.
Matthew's account mentions that astrologers from the East came to Jerusalem looking for the place where the King of the Jews was born. King Herod was very interested in this—but not with good intentions. "Sending them to Bethlehem, he said: 'Go make a careful search for the young child, and when you have found it report back to me, that I too may go and do it obeisance.'" The astrologers found the young child and "opened their treasures and presented it with gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." But they did not go back to Herod. "They were given divine warning in a dream not to return to Herod." God used an angel to warn Joseph of Herod's intentions. Joseph and Mary then fled to Egypt with their son. Next, in an effort to eliminate the new King, cruel King Herod ordered the killing of boys in the Bethlehem area. Those two years of age and under.(Matthew 2:1-16).
The visiting astrologers—however many of them there were—did not worship the true God. The Bible version La Nueva Biblia Latinoamérica (1989 Edition) states in a footnote: "The Magi were not kings, but fortune-tellers and priests of a pagan religion." They came in line with their knowledge of the stars to which they were devoted. Had God wanted to guide them to the young child, they would have been led to the exact place without needing to go first to Jerusalem and to Herod's palace. Later on, God did intervene to alter their course to protect the child.
At Christmastime this account is often surrounded by a mythical and romantic atmosphere that obscures the most important thing: that this baby was born to be a magnificent King, as was announced to Mary and to the shepherds. Jesus Christ is not a baby anymore, or even a child. He is the ruling King of God's Kingdom, which very soon will eliminate all rulerships opposed to God's will, and he will solve all problems of mankind. That is the Kingdom we ask for in the Lord's Prayer.(Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10).
Through the angels' declaration to the shepherds, we learn that the opportunity for salvation is open to all who are willing to hear the message of the good news. Those who gain the favor of God become "men of goodwill." There are marvelous prospects for peace in all the world under the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, but people must be willing to do God's will. (Luke 2:10, 11, 14).

Dear Anonymous -

Q. What do you call a lawyer when YOU need to hire one?

A. An attorney.

http://www.shareintl.org/

World leadership at it's finest.
More will be revealed.
2008 Greetings to all!

God decided to take the devil to court and settle their differences once and for all. When Lucifer heard the news, he laughed and said, "Where does the old fool think he's going to find a lawyer ?"

And by the way there is no sect as Assassins in Islam. No muslim ever heard of it, you crazy mad KILLING - BEAST BECAME MONSTORS!!!!

CCNL:

Even if I'm an assasin, I won't kill you. Because it is stupid to kill crazy!!!!!!!!!!

IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE ANSWERES ARE NOT OUT THERE, IF YOU LAZY BUMB'S DON'T HAVE THE COURAGE TO FIND or FACE THEM!!!!!!!

ANY THING THAT IS CREATED CANNOT BE GOD. IT IS NOT THE QUALITY OF GOD.

So your insane histarical rant WHO CREATED GOD AND WHO CREATED THAT GODS GOD UNTIL INFINITY.
Doesn't your voice sound to you like some crazy person chanting I'M NOT CRAZY, I'M NOT CRAZY!!

I might be not perfect in my explanation the point is ATLEAST TRY TO LOOK AROUND YOUR SELVES YOU DUMB BAGS.

mr mark...It being Saul no learner driver on the religious path, but whom through circumstances having become somewhat misguided. His experience as seeing the light, be an experience that SAUL later PAUL be familiar with, having experienced such in previous lifes. It being to him a clear experience, the work of the Lord, reminding him. The light in question seen being energy in its purest form as be before the material creation, effect of its experience is that of a cleansing, in other words, to clear the minds accumulation of worldly doodels as daddels, in turn, bringing a more balanced sense upon his understanding as experience. However in the case of PAUL this not the LORD giving understanding as experience, but making again aware of that which having but being lost in the murky water of the material illusion. MR MARK...It no easy task to enter the material illusion, even unto the most advanced of souls, whom being still prey to the material mire. Such as always being taken into account, hence, the compassion of Jesus as all prophets. The transformation from material to spiritual not easy, if an task for the most spiritually developed, it then greater the task unto those whom least in understanding, as experience. Christianity wrong lifting Jesus far beyond reality to a world of fantasy, in only accepting Jesus, thus, the doors being closed on all servants of the Almighty. Within christianity the many controlled by a few, whom be blinded, not by the light of GOD, but the lusting of the material, it's giving of worldly power... .. .

ANANYMOUS writes:
"MR MARK..The depth in experience, is dependent on the then level of capability in understanding as experience. Which standing. It may the individual not ready for experience, where the level one at, being at a need, as immediate need in furthering the depth in understanding. In preperation at an later date where one enabled in pre-preperation. With groundwork done, there the full ability of a future deepning of the practicale in experience."

OK.

Apply what you just wrote to the experience Saul of Tarsus had on the road to Damascus.

MR MARK..The depth in experience, is dependent on the then level of capability in understanding as experience. Which standing. It may the individual not ready for experience, where the level one at, being at a need, as immediate need in furthering the depth in understanding. In preperation at an later date where one enabled in pre-preperation. With groundwork done, there the full ability of a future deepning of the practicale in experience.

Moody,

Are you Sunni or Shiite? Or a member of some other Muslim cult like the Assassins?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Assassins:_A_Radical_Sect_in_Islam

ANANYMOUS writes:
JOET ...It true that one cannot prove God exist. One can experience that God exist, through such experience one then understand God to exist."

Funny how the criteria of what constitutes "experiencing god" has been defined by men, not by god.

Typically, one feels some kind of elation, or sorrow, or happiness, or peace. Strange how the effects of "experiencing god" are all THE SAME no matter who the god or religion is - pagan, Xian, Muslim, whatever, the feelings of "experiencing god" are all EXACTLY the same. Yet every religion says that their god is THE ONE god out there. If true, how can all gods - real and unreal - evince the same "experience."

Is it just coincidence that no religion purports that god makes his presence known by an itching in one's anus, or by a major attack of indigestion and the flatulence that ensues? Why does no religion posit that "experiencing god" includes one's hair spontaneously catching fire with one's ears spouting water to put out the flames?

Why not?

ANANYMOUS writes:
JOET ...It true that one cannot prove God exist. One can experience that God exist, through such experience one then understand God to exist."

Funny how the criteria of what constitutes "experiencing god" has been defined by men, not by god.

Typically, one feels some kind of elation, or sorrow, or happiness, or peace. Strange how the effects of "experiencing god" are all THE SAME no matter who the god or religion is - pagan, Xian, Muslim, whatever, the feelings of "experiencing god" are all EXACTLY the same. Yet every religion says that their god is THE ONE god out there. If true, how can all gods - real and unreal - evince the same "experience."

Is it just coincidence that no religion purports that god makes his presence known by an itching in one's anus, or by a major attack of indigestion and the flatulence that ensues? Why does no religion posit that "experiencing god" includes one's hair spontaneously catching fire with one's ears spouting water to put out the flames?

Why not?

JOET ...It true that one cannot prove God exist. One can experience that God exist, through such experience one then understand God to exist. One can describe the sweetness of sugar, yet, by far easier giving such a person some sugar to taste. Hence, when one be prepared, God then imparting such an experience, (NO NOT A VIRGIN BIRTH) that removing all doubt there not being a God. If one refer to the spiritual existence one cannot step out of it. Yet, the material existence then one can, such being purpose of creation, sustaining the human form. That through heart brain we then being capable of understanding as experience the essence of creation, knowing GOD or the FATHER if one so inclined to name... .. .

ROMEO: I'd go to the end of the earth for you. JULIET: Good. And when you get there jump off!

I guess it's time to point out again that any attempt to prove or disprove the existence of god is silly, and was given up by most intelligent beings, both religious scholars and the great philosophers centuries ago. It became obvious to even religious scholars that if god could be proven to exist, faith would have been disproven (it can't coexist with a valid proof of god's existence), and it became equally obvious to the great agnostic philosophers that man could never step outside his own existence to know what he can or can't know (Kant, for example, arguing that man cannot ever know whether he knows the truth).

MOODY wtites:

"All one need to do is look around your self and use your intelligent brain (if there is any?).

Out of millions of proofs I will give few examples below to make it easy to understand:

1- Now every body know that from unseenable atom, neutron, protons to unreachable wast galaxies every thing is REVOLVING/ORBITING IN THE CORRECT CALCULATED MATHEMATICAL PRECISION."

Not true. Do some basic scientific reading. Get some info from someplace besides the ID pseudo-science sites. Do you not know that the rotational speed of the Earth IS NOT A CONSTANT, and that the rotation of the Earth speeds up and slows down?

4.5 billion years ago, a "day" on Earth lasted 6 hours. As the rotation of the Earth slowed, the day increased to 21.9 hours 620-million years ago. Since 1972, the International Earth Rotation Service has added 22 leap seconds to the length of our 24-hour day, with the last leap second added on Dec. 31, 1998.

The orbit speed of any planet around the sun IS NOT A CONSTANT. Planets orbit the sun in an ELLIPTICAL orbit, NOT in a circular orbit. The speed of the earth's orbit around the sun INCREASES as the ellipse nears the sun and SLOWS as the earth moves away from the sun. THIS IS BASIC SCIENTIFIC FACT that YOU and every other religionist should know.

"2- Alright let me put it another way!
Suppose if ONLY the speed of the orbiting earth slow down. Can you imagine what would be its condition? Half side melting hot and half dead cold for many many years.
Do you think ALL LIVING BEINGS KNOWN TO US WHICH ARE MADE OUT OF WATER WOULD HAVE BEEN SURVIVED?"

The speed of the rotating Earth HAS DRAMATICALLY SLOWED DOWN over the billions of years that it has existed. If you had a SECOND GRADER'S knowledge of science, you would know that the Earth has never and will never have "half the side melting hot a and half dead cold" because of the Earth's distance from the sun and the fact that it rotates. In fact, the Earth is STILL COOLING from the stresses of its forming. Why do you think we have volcanoes and earthquakes?

Water was NOT TO BE FOUND on the Earth for HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF YEARS. Water would have instantly vaporized as would have any life form that came in contact with it in it's first tens to hundreds of millions of years of existence. The solar system formed 4.56 billion years ago. For the first 100-million or so years of their existence, both Mars and Earth were covered by oceans of molten lava. (see here: sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071121220939.htm )

As I said above, the speed of the Earth's ORBIT around the sun is not a constant.

If you are going to use scientific arguments to support your creationist BS, then you should at least make an effort to present ACTUAL scientific data, rather than creationist BS that you heard from some pseudo-scientist with an anti-science agenda.

TJ....True a complexity, yet within the power of creation, there nothing where it be that simple. It in truth a complexity, yet, a complexity that within a complexity that within a complexity that being within an complexity. Worst as best an open challange to humanity, whom having an unshakeable thirst for knowledge, such being built into our genetic coding. Thus, we will strive to solve the puzzle untill the cry of EUREKA...It people such as the atheists, of the world, that be the first cracking the code. While the majority in fear of God, some have the courage, in facing God, where be within the utmost of humility, thus enabled to question, seeking clarity... .. .

Hey Moody, since you're obviously so intelligent, can you explain who or what created your god? Your god is obviously quite complex if he is capable of creating the universe. How did this complexity come to exist without its own creator?

I meant to say some lunni dreamed big bang HAPPENED IT SELF???

5- And do you want to believe, that One is incapable of OR not incontact with us?? Just because you don't know! YOU don't know the answeres of the questions that confuse your mind.

IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE ANSWERES ARE NOT OUT THERE, IF YOU LAZY BUMB'S DON'T HAVE THE COURAGE TO FIND or FACE THEM!!!!!!!

Bill Murry,

People with dull and dum brain/intellegence keep on asking about the proof of God.

All one need to do is look around your self and use your intelligent brain (if there is any?).

Out of millions of proofs I will give few examples below to make it easy to understand:

1- Now every body know that from unseenable atom, neutron, protons to unreachable wast galaxies every thing is REVOLVING/ORBITING IN THE CORRECT CALCULATED MATHEMATICAL PRECISION.

Do you think this perfection is the result of some HYPOTHETICAL IT SELF HAPPENED BIG BANG? Is that the limit of your intelligent observation?

2- Alright let me put it another way!
Suppose if ONLY the speed of the orbiting earth slow down. Can you imagine what would be its condition? Half side melting hot and half dead cold for many many years.
Do you think ALL LIVING BEINGS KNOWN TO US WHICH ARE MADE OUT OF WATER WOULD HAVE BEEN SURVIVED?

3- Look at your self as Humans the most advance creature of the world. Do you believe that we are made by some accidental big bang.
OR Tell me all the artificial technology vehcles, planes, mobiles etc which are trillion/infinite time inferior to the nature of the living creation, ARE THESE GOODS MADE IT SELF BY ACCIDENT?

4- Do you want to believe that there is no One with the Qualities different then the creation/creatures made by Him?
And these COUNTLESS/INFINITE UNIVERSAL MATHEMATICAL PRECISIONS ARE THE RESULT OF SOME LUNNI DREAMED BIG BANG????

There be love of human nature, yet with spiritual love being its depths heights have no boundaries. ( NOW IT BE TO SUCH, THE INITIAL THOUGHT. A LOVE THAT HAVE NO HEIGHTS NO DEPTHS. BRING IT ON )... Yet it not that simple... We aware the appalling destruction, death, that hate capable of, being not brought, kept under control. As in spiritual love which immensein power, advanced in only when balanced, within sound reasoning, understanding. If such not the case, then one simply go stark raving mad. Hence, only the developing brain that we continue growing in depth of experience which balanced within our understanding, thus, opening the door to spiritual development, our spiritual enlightenment. We can help in such the process of development, that when choice having to be made, domestic as the international stage, individual as GOVT's, make choice's that be just and fair, that which respect all nation's as all people's. In the past, this be not the case, some nations having behaved in the most appalling manners, untoward the other, with dire results... .. .

LOOKS LIKE FREEDOM...FEELS LIKE DEATH... .. .

I would not amend it--I would delete it. It is a stupid attempt from a politician to cater to his constituency. There are too many Christian interpretations. Which form of interpretation does this particular politician mean?

I wrote this as a letter to my local paper, not for my ego, but I believe it to be true.
Please read if you desire:
Jeff

"Most of the Founding Fathers had been Christian, others were Deists (believing in a natural God) and yet a few others were of other beliefs or non-beliefs.

The Christians, it seems, were very devout men of Christ, as were the Deists to a natural God. That is why it is so remarkable that the Constitution of the United States contains not one word of any God. It solidifies the fact that these men understood that freedom and equality were the necessary foundations for a free United States.

They remembered their own ancestors had fled a Christian regime to land in America and were well aware of the pain and division among colonies that laws based on religion had wrought. In that fact, it can be stated that this country was founded of freedom, where freedom of religion is but one of the freedoms bestowed upon us.

To this day, not the "best, or the "greatest," but rather the "only" line of defense for this democracy from becoming a theocracy, monarchy or anarchy, remains with those who represent us in government. They must truly represent us as a whole and understand there are many wants, yet these must all be weighed in the words and spirit of the Constitution, and the philosophy of equality and freedom for all.

Otherwise, we will not survive as a nation of free people."

I think there should be a total separation of church and state. In fact, isn't it about time that our educators began to question the value of participating in a religion and to question the basic concept of a god or gods? We all ask for fact or data to support everything else but why do we not ask for factual data to support the existence of a god? To accept something as important solely on faith with no basis of fact is just not rational. It doesn't do any good to ignore the subject since religion is a major cause of conflict around the world. How can we accept a god and religion on faith alone? If someone told a wife or husband that their spouse was having an affair they would ask for proof but most people fail to ask for or expect proof when someone mentions a god, an immaculate conception, or angels floating around with wings. For two thousand years we have had religious conflict and still look to fables or stories written over 1400 years ago in the case of the Koran and two thousand years ago with the new testament without question. Have we not learned anything about the fallacy of religion over the last two thousand years? We have learned many other things over the centuries but have failed to question myths and beliefs that are thousands of years old . We must start to question the validity of gods and the value of religion or we may find ourselves living with the disastrous consequences of our failure to ask these questions. The world may yet be destroyed using nuclear weapons in a religious war.. We can no longer afford to ignore the numerous conflicts around the world among religious groups and the radical thinking associated with so many religions. We had all better wake up and learn to question our religions and their beliefs before it is too late. What concerns me is that it may already be too late.

I think there should be a total separation of church and state. In fact, isn't it about time that our educators began to question the value of participating in a religion and to question the basic concept of a god or gods? We all ask for fact or data to support everything else but why do we not ask for factual data to support the existence of a god? To accept something as important as this solely on faith with no basis of fact is just not rationale. It doesn't do any good to ignore the subject since religion is a major cause of conflict around the world. How can we accept a god and religion on faith alone? If someone told a wife or husband that their spouse was having an affair they would ask for proof but most people fail to ask for or expect proof when someone mentions a god, an immaculate conception, or angels floating around with wings. For two thousand years we have had religious conflict and still look to fables or stories written over 1400 years ago in the case of the Koran and two thousand years ago with the new testament without question. Have we not learned anything about the fallacy of religion over the last two thousand years? We have learned many other things over the centuries but have failed to question myths and beliefs that are thousands of year old . We must start to question the validity of gods and religion or we may find ourselves living with the disastrous consequences of our failure to ask these questions. The world may yet be destroyed using nuclear weapons in a religious war.. We can no longer afford to ignore the numerous conflicts around the world among religious groups and the radical thinking associated with so many religions. All people on earth had better wake up and learn to question their religions and their beliefs before it is too late. What concerns me is that it may already be too late.

I think there should be a total separation of church and state. In fact, isn't it about time that our educators began to question the value of participating in a religion and to question the basic concept of a god or gods? We all ask for fact or data to support everything else but why do we not ask for factual data to support the existence of a god? To accept something as important as this solely on faith with no basis of fact is just not rationale. It doesn't do any good to ignore the subject since religion is a major cause of conflict around the world. How can we accept a god and religion on faith alone? If someone told a wife or husband that their spouse was having an affair they would ask for proof but most people fail to ask for or expect proof when someone mentions a god, an immaculate conception, or angels floating around with wings. For two thousand years we have had religious conflict and still look to fables or stories written over 1400 years ago in the case of the Koran and two thousand years ago with the new testament without question. Have we not learned anything about the fallacy of religion over the last two thousand years? We have learned many other things over the centuries but have failed to question myths and beliefs that are thousands of year old . We must start to question the validity of gods and religion or we may find ourselves living with the disastrous consequences of our failure to ask these questions. The world may yet be destroyed using nuclear weapons in a religious war.. We can no longer afford to ignore the numerous conflicts around the world among religious groups and the radical thinking associated with so many religions. All people on earth had better wake up and learn to question their religions and their beliefs before it is too late. What concerns me is that it may already be too late.

Hmmm, Moody another obfuscating Muslim heard from:

So let us repeat the real issue i.e. the stench of koranic Islam that brainwashes the minds of their members to the point they kill themselves, killing and maiming others at the same time in planned "imamian" processes in the name of Allah to include members of supposedly their own religion.

But Sunni and Shiites consider each other infidels as the Sunni vs. Shiite centuries-long, pre-USA feud continues 24/7. It even appears Benizar Bhutto may have been killed as part of this significantly stupid feud. And to think it all traces back to the hallucinations of an illiterate Arab!!!!!!

http://faroutliers.wordpress.com/2006/10/13/pakistans-transition-from-shia-to-sunni-leadership/

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0202/p01s02-wosc.html

You can see my below post with spell and other corrections on link "Islam and Violence".

Sorry for the inconvenience.

These are the sad days in Pakistan politics. Benazir NOT PERFECT but was the leader of the nation!

Unjustly killed due to dirty regional politics planted and groomed by USA!!!

1- Pakistan government is covering up her assassination events saying she was hit by the lever of the bomb proof vehicle hatch. Media tells another story. So it could be the US BREED AND BROUHT UP AND SUPPORTING GOVERNMENTS WHICH USA WANTS TO STAY AT ANY COST another brutal way of political gain, which Banazir party is already accusing the Government. Because after her first assassination attempt at her arrival, she filed a report pin pointing certain in government elements and persons specifically naming them, telling that they will be responsible if something happen to her in future.

DON'T FORGET USA ALWAYS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN SHAPING PAKISTAN'S POLITICS!!!

REMEMBER:

1- US president Henry Kissinger on record on world media said to Bhutto ex Pakistan prime minister that I will make an example of you, when Bhutto showed his threatening letter on media. Later Bhutto was hanged by Army General.

2- The same General along with his whole High Command 15 to 17 General were put together in same plane first and last time which was crashed done. According to Pakistan or any military code no 2 generals can fly together. Pakistani's know very well why it happened and by whose (USA) order.
Because that General even after billions of dollars refused the unlimited access in Pakistan or any kind of out side forces operations through there lands. And also USA was most suspected that he was going Nuclear which Pakistan did in 1983, the whole world was chasing wild goose until 1992 when Pakistan had the missile technology.

3- Nawas Sahrif is never liked by USA, because he is more technocrats then a big leader he is like Benazir. Because even in extreme USA posed sanctions against Pakistan. He refused to band down to USA and successfully builds the economy by developing relations with west and Middle East. So after nuclear explosions he became the thrown in the USA eye AND WAS AGAIN EXPLED BY A US BORN BREED PAKISTANI GENERAL. “THAT’S WHY HE IS NOT ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ELECTIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT DESPERATELY NEEDED BY USA”????????

4- Pakistan Army and US administration have a long history from its independence including Army's role in Pakistan’s politics for USA interests!!!! When India was scavenging its land like Hyderabad, Junagarh, Duccan States which are now part of India given to Pakistan. And Kashmir with more than 95% Muslims, water source of Pakistan right at Pakistan's neck position, India never accepted it UNTIL IT BECAME POWERFULL ENOUGH. Pakistan with no military in the beginning AND THEY FOUTHT AND SURVIVED. USA started providing them secondary military support with THEIR MEAN CONDITIONS. And so have the substantial success in bribing and buying the Generals for there BRUTAL POLITICAL GAINS in the region.

Now come to that part of USA REAL FACE..."BRUTAL".

Had USA NOT DONE which is mentioned below, BENAZIR WOULD HAVE NOT ASSASINATED AND PAKISTAN WAS NOT POLITICALLY DE-STABALIZED?

1- On asking for EVIDENCE FROM USA more than 95% supported Taliban Government was removed by USA Invasion. Reminded me a noble quote “EITHER YOU ARE WITH US OR AGAINST US” or in other words do what we say or get ready to die. Still almost 90% country is controlled by Taliban in Afghanistan. BUT what 26000 strong advance US Army is doing there. BOMBING THERE POOR CITIES WITH DAM DESTROYER BOMB’S WHICH BLEED THE EARS AND EYES OF THE PERSONS STANDING 7 MILES AWAY WHERE IT DROPS, SHOWN ON YOUR US MEDIA DOCUMENTORIES. “Do you call it indiscriminate killings of TERRORISTS or CIVIL POPULATION” who doesn’t like out side invaders on there lands????? And US appointed President KARZAI who has pure American accent English???? Serving US interests and butchering Afghan civilians.
2- And Pakistan Mad and Sold General for the first time in history allowing more than 75% supplies of US ground actions from Pakistan. Keeping quite when US troops cross Pakistan’s sovereign borders BOMB SCHOOLS (MADRASAS) AND KIILL INNOCENT CHILDERN. And to please US INTEREST kill in cold blood more than 500 Madrasas Students in Capital and ban media to cover up, with WHICH AUTHORITY?? And WHO’S SUPPORT (USA)?? Do you think general Pakistani public is not aware?? They Hate USA brutal Regimes from the bottom of there heart like Afghans.

“NO DOUBTS USA BRUTAL AGENDA SUPPORTS ARE AT THE HIT LIST OF THE RETALIATORS”. Unfortunately Benazir also openly supported the US BRUTAL agenda. AND BEING KILLED TO FURTHER SERVE THE INHUMAN RAZER SHARP BRUTAL POLITICAL AGENDA OF INFIDEL MONSTORS USA!!!!!!!!!!

One more note:

Even in the 10 year Afghan – USSR war NO SPECIAL BORDER SECURITY was required on Pak-Afghan border, BUT NOW, even security forces with in Pakistan for the FIRST TIME are not safe BECAUSE being BRUTALLY USED TO KILL THE CIVILIANS by Mad General on Mad Bush recommendation. BARBARIANS WANT TO TURN PAKISTANS CIVIL FABRIC LIKE IRAQ!!!!!!!!!!!!

These are the sad days in Pakistan politics. Benazir NOT PERFECT but was the leader of the nation!

Unjustly killed due to dirty regional politics planted and groomed by USA!!!

1- Pakistan government is covering up her assination events saying she was hit by the lever of the bomb proof vehcle hatch. Media tells another story. So it could be the US BREED AND BROUHT UP AND SUPPORTING GOVERNMENTS WHICH USA WANTS TO STAY AT ANY COST another brutal way of political gain, which Banazir party is already accusing the Government.Because after her first assination attempt at her arrival, she filed a report pin pointing certain in government elements and persons specifically naming them, telling that they will be responsible if something happen to her in future.

DON'T FORGET USA ALWAYS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN SHAPING PAKISTAN'S POLITICS!!!

REMEMBER:

1- US president Henry Kasinger on record on world media said to Bhutoo ex Pakistan prime minister that I will make an example of you, when Bhutoo showed his threatening letter on media. Later Bhutoo was hanged by Army General.

2- The same General along with his whole High Command 15 to 17 General were put togather in same plane first and last time which was crashed done. According to Pakistan or any military code no 2 generals can fly togather. Pakistani's know very well why it happend and by whose (USA) order.
Because that General even after billions of dollars refused the unlimited access in Pakistan or any kind of out side forces operations through there lands. And also USA was most suspected that he was going Neuclear which Pakistan did in 1983, the whole world was chasing wild goose untill 1992 when Pakistan had the missile technology.

3- Nawas Sahrif is never liked by USA, because he is more tecnocrate then a Big leader he is like Benazir. Because even in extreme USA possed sanctions against Pakistan. He refused to band down to USA and successfully build the economy by developing relations with west and middle east. So after nueclear explosions he bacame the thrown in the USA eye AND WAS AGAIN EXPLED BY A US BORN BREED PAKISTANI GENERAL. “THAT’S WHY HE IS NOT ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ELECTIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT DESPERATELY NEEDED BY USA”????????

4- Pakistan Army and US administration have a long history from its independence including Army's role in Pakistans politics for USA intersts!!!! When India was scavanging its land like Hydrabad, Junagarh, Duccan States which are now part of India given to Pakistan. And Kashmir with more than 95% muslims, water source of Pakistan right at Pakistan's neck position, India never accepted it UNTIL IT BECAME POWERFULL ENOUGH. Pakistan with no military in the beggining AND THEY FOUTHT AND SURVIVED. USA started providing them secondry military support with THEIR MEAN CONDITIONS. And so have the substancial success in bribing and buying the Generals for there BRUTAL POLITICAL GAINS in the region.

Now come to that part of USA REAL FACE..."BRUTAL".

Had USA NOT DONE which is mentioned below, BENAZIR WOULD HAVE NOT ASSASINATED AND PAKISTAN WAS NOT POLITICALLY DE-STABALIZED:

1- On asking for EVIDENCE FROM USA more than 95% supported Taliban Government was removed by USA Invasion. Reminded me a noble quote “EITHER YOU ARE WITH US OR AGAINST US” or in other words do what we say or get ready to die. Still almost 90% country is controlled by Taliban in Afganistan. BUT what 26000 strong advance US Army is doing there. BOMBING THERE POOR CITIES WITH DAM DESTROYER BOMB’S WHICH BLEED THE EARS AND EYES OF THE PERSONS STANDING 7 MILES AWAY WHERE IT DROPS, SHOWN ON YOUR US MEDIA DOCUMENTORIES. “Do you call it indiscriminate killings of TERRORISTS or CIVIL POPULATION” who doesn’t like out side invaders on there lands????? And US appointed President KARZAI who has pure American accent English???? Serving US interests and butchering Afgan civilians.
2- And Pakistan Mad and Sold General for the first time in history allowing more than 75% supplies of US ground actions from Pakistan. Keeping quite when US troops cross Pakistan’s sovereign borders BOMB SCHOOLS (MADRASAS) AND KIILL INNOCENT CHILDERN. And to please US INTEREST kill in cold blood more than 500 Madrasas Students in Capital and ban media to cover up, with WHICH AUTHORITY ?? and WHOSE SUPPORT (USA)?? Do you think general Pakistani public is not aware?? They Hate USA brutal Regimes from the bottom of there heart like Afgans.

“NO DOUBTS USA BRUTAL AGENDA SUPPORTS ARE AT THE HIT LIST OF THE RETALIATORS”. Unfortunately Benazir also openly supported the US BRUTAL agenda. AND BEING KILLED TO FURTHER SERVE THE INHUMAN RAZER SHARP BRUTAL POLITICAL AGENDA OF INFIDEL MONSTORS USA!!!!!!!!!!

One more note :

Even in the 10 year Afgan – USSR war NO SPECIAL BORDER SECURITY was required on Pak-Afgan border, BUT NOW, even security forces with in Pakistan for the FIRST TIME are not safe BECAUSE being BRUTALLY USED TO KILL THE CIVILIANS by Mad General on Mad Bush recommendations. BARBARIANS WANTS TO TURN PAKISTANS CIVIL FABRIC LIKE IRAQ!!!!!!!!!!!!

Victoria, Victoria, Victoria,

When our Representatives return from their Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanakkuh/Frosty the Snowman Birthday/Leonids to Quadrantids Break, they will approve by a vote of 435 to 0 the following resolution:

"The stench of Islam was raised to a new level recently with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, one of Islam's young and bright leaders, by one or more of their own significantly stupid and koranic brainwashed Islamics.

Rants by liberal Muslims against this violence will not suffice. The flaws in the koran which are the foundations of said violence must be corrected now."

look at these questions-
most of them are just repeats- or just looked at the headline and rolled on out with a superficial religious slant-

when are they coming back to work?

November 21, 2007 (SAME QUESTION TWICE IN A ROW)
Happy Holidays? Why are many holiday family gatherings marked by tension and unhappiness?
November 23, 2007
In a world torn by religious, ethnic and geopolitical conflict, what can we be thankful for this Thanksgiving?
LAST YEARS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
November 22, 2006
Is Thanksgiving a religious holiday? If so, who does one thank and for what? Should non-believers celebrate Thanksgiving?

~~~~HEADLINE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
November 28, 2007
From Clinton to Craig, from Swaggart to Paulk, America seems obsessed with sex scandals. Is sex outside of marriage a sin? Is it a public matter? Is it forgivable?

~~~HEADLINE~~~~~~~~~~~
December 6, 2007
What did you think of Mitt Romney's speech Thursday about religion? What would you have told him to say?
December 6, 2006
Millions of people are in mixed faith marriages or are unsure about their conception of God. How would you advise them to describe God to their children over the holiday season?

~HEADLINE- BUT LATE WORLD AIDS DAY IS DEC 1
December 12, 2007
Rick Warren's Saddleback Church just hosted its third "Global Summit on AIDS and the Church." Do you think the world's biggest social problems -- poverty, disease, homelessness -- can be cured by well-intentioned religious believers?

December 20, 2006
Do you believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God? If so, what exactly does that mean? If not, who was he?

December 17, 2007
Britain's equality chief says "It's time to stop being daft about Christmas. It's fine to celebrate and it's fine for Christ to be the star of the show" in all public celebrations. Are we being too politically correct about Christmas?

December 13, 2006
Some politically conservative Christians say that America is "a Christian nation," and at this time of year, with the country saturated with Christmas imagery, it can seem that they are right. Are they? Is America a "Christian nation"? Should it be?

December 24, 2007
Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives approved HR 847 recognizing the importance of Christianity and Christmas. Would you have voted for this resolution? How would you amend it?

maybe next week when they come back from holiday theyll realize bhutto was assassinated and come back with some lame peripherally related question on islam

is it just me?

Question: So where in the Bible does it say Jesus was born on December 25?

Question: So where in the Bible does it say Jesus was born on December 25?

Oops.

My last post contained the phrase, "CD bubble." It should have been, "DC bubble."

Dyslexic typing, I'm afraid. @#@$%$^%^

I look forward to the day when REPUBLICANS stand up to this type of blatant pandering and say, "enough!"

Democratic politicians are rightfully taken to task for not standing up for reason. We're constantly hearing how ineffective the Senate has been under Democratic rule. A few commentators will make the point that they don't have the votes to get anything done that is veto proof, and that's true.

But when did opposing illegal wars and the dismantling of our Constitution become the exclusive bailiwick of the Democrats? When did Party identification become THE ONLY factor one uses when deciding which course is the right and just course?

Personally, I'm a bit tired of hearing that "the Democrats couldn't stop bush's" latest atrocity. Why does no blame accrue to the Republicans for being such spineless enablers of this rogue administration? When will those same commentators place equal blame on Republican politicians for placing Party loyalty over loyalty to the Constitution?

At present, Congressional Republicans are getting a free ride off the Democrats razor-slim majority in the Senate and bush's wild unpopularity. Observing from outside the CD bubble, the problem is as clear as day, and it's by no means a Democratic-exclusive problem.

Time for Congressional Republicans to act as stewards of the Constitution, rather than as servants in the House of bush.

Wow... just, wow... This from Nancy Pelosi's House? Just what is the difference between mob rule and "majority rule"? Compulsory income taxes for this, this, this, this idiotic pandering fraudulent crap! I want my money back.

Onward Christian soldiers! Yer either fer us or agin us... bring it on, infidels! Let the trial by fire begin.

There is a difference between "majority rules" and democracy. Drive another nail in the coffin of a once-great country.

Snug, smug, faithy pandering while Africa, Pakistan, Myanmar, all burn... just... wow.

--fius

A NON, SEXUAL, POLITICAL OR ANTI RELIGIOUS, JOKE. A man telephoned the mental hospital and enquired as to who was in Room 23. "That room is empty," replied the nurse. "Great!" said the bloke, that means I must have escaped!" ... .. .

A CHRISTIAN wrote (DECEMBER 27, 2007 7:02 PM): "Blah... blah... (false premise)... blah... blah... (logical fallacy - straw man)... blah... (logical fallacy... appeal to popularity)... blah... blah... (logical fallacy)... blah... blah... (logical fallacy - false dichotomy)... blah... blah... (logical fallacy - red herring)... blah... blah... (logical fallacy)... blah... blah... (logical fallacy)... etc."

(snort of derision)... Okkkaaayyyy... (smirk)...

A CHRISTIAN: "I hope you can see the logic in my arguments..."

Well... let's see... after we get past all the amateurish sophistry (your arguments) which (in your mind) passes for 'logic', we are left with this...

... you believe that a cosmic Jewish zombie, who is his own father, can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and telepathically tell him that you accept him as your master so he can remove an evil force from your soul that is present in humanity because a rib-woman was tricked by a malvolent entity (disguised a talking snake... with legs) into eating a piece of fruit from a magical tree... (etc.)... and that there is something horribly wrong with people who ARE NOT so gullible and droolingly stupid as to believe such outrageously ridiculous codswallop.

"When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called Religion." ~ Robert M. Pirsig

I would not have voted for H. Res. 847. Even though it was a non-binding resolution and even though there was not a corresponding or "twin" resolution in the Senate. It amounts to a government endorsement of one particular religion or sect above another. So, if this resolution had been passed by both Houses of Congress, I suppose it would be a "law," and therefore would violate the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment.

The same criticism applies to the earlier resolution affirming the importance of Islam.

One one level, H. Res. 847 is pretty silly. There are lots of Christians in the world and in the U.S.? Christmas is important to many people? Y'think??

On another, more disquieting level, H. Res. 847 was a pretty blatant piece of political pandering to that powerful voting bloc of vocal "Christians" who either (a) feel insecure in their faith unless they are constantly reassured of its importance or (b) want to create some sort of Christian Dominionist or Reconstructionist "theocracy" here in the U.S.A.

I find it interesting that a fairly prominent conservative Christian Congressman, Republican Mike Pence of Indiana, chose to vote "present" on H. Res. 847, taking no position on its merits. I think that even he knew it was an unconstitutional endorsement of one religion (or dangerously close to it).

I'm not sure that H. Res. 847 could be "fixed" to avoid an Establishment Clause violation without pretty thoroughly eviscerating it. But deleting the 4th, 6th, and 7th "whereas" recitals would be a start:

[4th] Whereas Christians identify themselves as those who believe in the salvation from sin offered to them through the sacrifice of their savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who, out of gratitude for the gift of salvation, commit themselves to living their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Bible; [THE DRAFTERS TRIED TO LIMIT THIS TO WHAT CHRISTIANS SAY THEY BELIEVE, BUT WHAT'S THE POINT?]

[5th] Whereas Christians and Christianity have contributed greatly to the development of western civilization; [NO ARGUMENT THAT CHRISTIANS HAVE CONTRIBUTED GREATLY, BUT THE ORGANIZED CHURCHES HAVE GENERALLY OPPOSED THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE AND ALL MANNER OF SOCIAL REFORMS, SUCH AS ABOLITION OF SLAVERY AND CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, UNTIL THERE WAS NO POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER OPPOSITION.]

[6th] Whereas the United States, being founded as a constitutional republic in the traditions of western civilization, finds much in its history that points observers back to its roots in Christianity; [THIS OLD CHESTNUT IS A GROSS EXAGGERATION. READ KRAMNICK & MOORE's "GODLESS CONSTITUTION." WE HAVE FAIRLY RELIGIOUS SOCIETY / POPULATION BUT A SECULAR STATE AND A SECULAR GOVERNMENT, BY INTENTIONAL DESIGN.]

[7th]Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ;

[8th] Whereas for Christians, Christmas is celebrated as a recognition of God's redemption, mercy, and Grace; [THE "FOR CHRISTIANS" PHRASE IS SUPPOSED TO PREVENT THIS CLAUSE FROM BEING AN ENDORSEMENT OF ONE PARTICULAR RELIGION -- I DON'T THINK IT WORKED] . . .

If I were a member of the House of Representatives, I would have also pushed for the deletion or amendment of the 4th numbered paragraph in the Resolution itself:

"(4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization;"

Again, Christians undoubtedly played useful roles in the founding of the U.S., even though most of our overrated Founding Fathers (especially Madison, Jefferson, Franklin, and to a lesser extent, John Adams and Geo. Washington) were Deists, Unitarians, closeted atheists, or unenthusiastic churchgoers who would not pass the modern litmus test of what one must believe or profess to be a Christian. But it's ridiculous to say that "Christianity" played some important role in the founding of the United States, when there is no mention of God or Jesus or Christianity in the Constitution, other than the "in the Year of our Lord" in the date clause and the prohibition of religious tests for public office.

It's worth remembering that in Jefferson's first draft, the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence contained the clause "that all men are created equal and independant [sic], that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness . . . ." The Contintental Congress changed that wording to "that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. . . ." The Congress also changed Jefferson's lower-case "the laws of nature and nature's god" [in the first paragraph] to "Laws of Nature and Nature's God." Still more of a Deist concept than a Christian one, but this shows that political pandering to certain religious segments of the population is as old as our republic.

you really are a conversation killer lib-
you must be a hoot at parties

The stench of Islam raised to a new level today with the assassination of one their young and bright leaders by one or more of their own significantly stupid and koranic brainwashed Islamics.

Rants by liberal Muslims against this violence will not suffice. The flaws in the koran which are the foundations of said violence must be corrected now.

ONE must remember we having hundreds of years of forced christian teachings under pain of torture death. Only in recent history ability to read as write allowed, such be witheld for hundreds of years. The Church Authority fearing having such knowledge, people then question authority of the church (WHICH PROVED TRUE) as the charlatans who claimed a divine right to rule, such which being enforced by church authority. In the last century Many millions of people, having won there freedom from the church, its religious brainwashing. Yet, many still being its victims, brainwashed parents handing over there children to the authority of the church, as there parents in turn did to them. Children whom as young as 2yrs, 3yrs, 4yrs, 5yrs, start a lifetime of religious brainwashing... .. .

Rewritten?? It should never have been written in the first place! This is what I say to all who voted for HR 847:

Here’s what’s wrong and shocking about your “Aye” vote for H.R. 847- Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith:

1. In any democratic form of government, separation of Church and State is a prime principle to safeguard the integrity of each. Such a resolution should never have been allowed to be introduced in the first place. It has nothing to do with legislation. You endorsed religious doctrine and betrayed your country.

2. Many of the Puritans/Pilgrims came to this continent to escape religious persecution by England’s government, which had declared a state religion. And now apparently WE have one.

3. The U.S. was not “founded as a constitutional republic in the traditions of western civilization.” Our Constitution is based largely on the Articles of the Iroquois Confederacy, masterminded by Dekanawida, an indigenous leader.

4. Are you acknowledging these “contributions” of Christianity to Western civilization?
•Slavery - Christopher Columbus received his warrant to kidnap and sell indigenous peoples FROM THE POPE.
•The Crusades - in which Christians slaughtered thousands of Saracens (Moslems) in the name of the Christian God
•The Inquisition - in which Christian clergy participated in the imprisonment, torture, and murder of thousands of women, children, and men suspected of “witchcraft”
•Christians kidnapping Native American children and incarcerating them in Christian schools, depriving them of their families, language, culture, and indigenous religious paths; Christians also deliberately gave smallpox-infected blankets to Native American nations to exterminate them and steal their land.
•The Vatican’s silence as Hitler conducted genocide against the Jews.

You are ignorant of history and a coward, to boot. You voted “Aye” because you were afraid you’d be pegged as “anti-Christian.” You didn’t have the ethical integrity to stand up and say, “I am not anti-religion, I am pro separation of Church and State.”

You can forget me ever voting for you again.

to DW:

You say you "have a question for the Christians. If Jesus says believe in me and follow my way only, or you spend eternity in hell. Doesn't that make Jesus the biggest terrorist of all?"

I think maybe you are forgetting that Jesus said He was God. His followers believe that He is God.

So, if He's God, He can say He is the only way. Doesn't it make sense that GOD is the only way to GOD?

You think it should matter "if you are a decent God fearing man or woman." But, if Jesus is God, then fearing (respecting) God means fearing (respecting) Jesus.

You think it should matter "if you follow the ten commandments." But, the first commandment is to not have any other gods. If Jesus is God, any version of God that does not recognize Him as Jesus is some other god.

You think it should matter "if you are Rabbi or monk." But, if Jesus is God, any religious leader who does not follow Jesus is practicing a false religion.

You think it should matter "if you lived your life as the most decent person to ever live." But, if Jesus if God, heaven is about being with Him forever. So, what does it matter if you are decent if you refuse to make the effort to get to know God?

I hope you can see the logic in my arguments. If there is one God, and if Jesus is that God, then He has every right to say that He is only the way to Himself. In fact, going straight to God to get to know God sounds a lot more effective than being decent, following commands or becoming a cleric, doesn't it???

Now, you don't have to believe Jesus is God. But, He did claim to be God. So, if He wasn't God, I wouldn't call Him a terrorist; I would call him crazy or dishonest. That's your choice.

Christianity on the Wane

an article in the NYRB by Bill McKibbon reports that
* the number of Americans self-identifying as Christians has declined in the last ten years from 4/5s to between 2/3 and 3/4s.
*40% between the ages of 16-29 are outside christianity, and 85% of those find Christianity Hypocritical, 70% find it "insensitive to others."

The numbers seem significantly a result of Evangelicalism in the last few years.

figures from The Barna Group.

The brain be still in it's very early stages of development. In Such seasoning be the reasoning which the cornerstone of Twixted understanding. Twixt, understanding refers to the balancing of the material as the spiritual, dual intertwining of thought processing, come in play, the brains spiritual awareness blending with the material, hence, the point betwixt the two referred to as the "twixt". One can be ( Outtwixted ), where it be material understanding is out of balance with spiritual experience. One can be ( Intwixted ) this refering to the spiritual experience being greater than ones understanding. ( Intwixted )not a situation one wish such to be avoided, better one being ( Outtwixted) than ( Intwixted ). There also the word ( Untwixted ) refering one having no spiritual experience, material understanding. Such ( Untwixted ) can be used with humor, where a Muslim refering to an American as ( Untwixted ) such not a insult but a friendly sense of humor.

Dear E Fav -

Glad you enjoyed my parable.

There's more to it than meets the eye. In fact, one could apply the tradition of midrash to the idea that the Hummer is the Xian's choice of vehicle in which to get to heaven. An ugly, over-priced, gas-guzzling, over-all mediocre monstrosity of a vehicle that people buy for the sole reason that they're told, "everyone wants one, but only a few select people get to own one."

Real fans of midrash could write volumes on the composition of the road's surface as well.

Gotta go.

I unequivocally and unconditionally condemn and revile these acts of terrorism and all acts of terrorsim done by deluded and vicious barbarians who claim they represent islam.

Council on American-Islamic Relations statement-

The “Not in the Name of Islam” petition states:

“We, the undersigned Muslims, wish to state clearly that those who commit acts of terror, murder and cruelty in the name of Islam are not only destroying innocent lives, but are also betraying the values of the faith they claim to represent. No injustice done to Muslims can ever justify the massacre of innocent people, and no act of terror will ever serve the cause of Islam. We repudiate and dissociate ourselves from any Muslim group or individual who commits such brutal and un-Islamic acts. We refuse to allow our faith to be held hostage by the criminal actions of a tiny minority acting outside the teachings of both the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.”

Do you know what our Prophet, peace be upon him, told us? He repeated thrice, "He does not believe! He does not believe! He does not believe!" Who was he referring to? "That person whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil."

As it states in the Quran: ‘Oh you who believe, stand up firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor; for God can best protect both. Do not follow any passion, lest you not be just. And if you distort or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do.’” (Quran 4:135)

hoestly SOMEONE- you're already on the internet-
you have access to billions of bits of information instantly worldwide!

your complaint is like someone looking at a glass of water, and complainiing they are thirsty, and no one will lift the glass to their lips to drink!
look at the link- i even lifted the glass for you-
if you're thristy, and don't drink- it's clearly you're own fault!

someone- why are muslims not appalled?

i just checked in here to see if sally and jon had the journalistic presence of mind to post a question on bhuttos asassination-
naturally not- they're still on vacation-

are you serious?

even on these boards there is response- (not this question)

did it occur to you to look on the net?

here, we will bring it to you then-
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/
why on earth would you expect muslims to come in here on this question and respond to a completely different issue?

Mr Mark – Lovely parable. So sayeth E Fav, Itinerant Free Will consultant. (Perhaps if there’s a market for this service, we can incorporate). I choose option 3 - the one you didn’t mention but that is implicit in your parable.

And it is: This don’t make no sense. (using double negatives for maximum impact)

D.W. - Excellent point regarding Jesus as celestial terrorist! Satan sounds worse, though, don’t you think, with all that fire? Still, you’re obviously very insightful and should consider joining the little Free Will consulting firm that’s shaping up here.

SOMEONE: You say, “your (CCNL) main point about Islam is actually right on. However, because you present your opinion in such a sick and stupid way no one even reads you. At least no one with any sense.”

Are you saying that you have no sense?

Someone,

Since when are the facts not facts? Now correct them if you have evidence to the contrary. Or is there some other way to say: "Until the koran is "deflawed", no one is safe!!!"

Don't our Congressman have anything better to do than propose such frivoulous measures?

I would suggest that finding solutions to such serious problems as passing the federal budget in a timely manner (now 3 months late), eliminating the federal deficit (trillions!), developing plans to restore crumbling infrastructure (people were killed), providing an economical means of providing adequate health care to our citizens, reforming education to make us competitive in the future global economy, developing measures to contain possible threats of epedemics from emerging communicable diseases, reducing poverty, reducing pollution and encouraging sound environmental practices, figthing the war on terrorism, federal acquisition reform (billions wasted), balancing the trade deficit and strengthing the dollar, and dozens more serious issues that confront us and cause pain and suffering among American citizens would be time much better spent.

It is little wonder that Congress has a lower approval rating than our president.

Dear E Fav -

Thanks for the explanation of "free will." It has inspired me to write a parable:

Christianity believes that life is a highway, and that one's final destination on that highway is heaven.

There's car lot at the non-heaven end of that highway, filled with all makes and models of cars. The Xian says, "believe me when I tell you, you have the free will to make this trip in any car on this lot. It's totally your choice. HOWEVER, if you wish to get to heaven, you must opt to drive the Hummer. For you see, while all of those other cars look fine, they all burst into flames at some point along the trip. It could be on ignition, it could be halfway through the trip, but they will burst into flames. Not only that, but the flames never get extinguished and you never die from them. You just suffer for eternity, on fire and not a bottle of suntan lotion in sight.

"Now, I'm telling you this before you make your choice. There are no surprises here. I'm not keeping it a secret that those cars will burst into flames. They will. Trust me. I've even got documented proof that they'll burst into flames. Call it the "Bible of cars that burst into flames," if you will.

"That said, it is entirely up to you to pick the car in which you wish to make the journey. That's the beauty of the free will god gives to us all. We all have the freedom to choose our transportation through life. It's a beautiful thing, isn't it?

"So, that said, what form of transportation will you freely choose?"

Later. :)