Christians (unlike atheists) have purpose in life.

[Abdul Alhazred]

So they say.

http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=106059

[shadron]

It must be awful to live in such unrequited longing.

[MG1962]

Hmmm some pretty heavy stuff there. Fortunately not all Christians have given up on this world, or pray daily for the Rapture to begin

[Hokulele]

Ah, Rapture Ready, the frootloopiest collection of frootloops on the Internet.

And MG1962, sadly enough, they probably don't consider those to be True Christians.

[Jeff Corey]

It looks like there's gonna be a lot of shoes laying around.
"Some days I think that I will have spontaneous combustion from the absolute longing for the rapture and all that my unsaved family will find, will be my shoes"
This also explains what happened to the drummer from Spinal Tap who didn't drown in vomit.

[MG1962]

Ah, Rapture Ready, the frootloopiest collection of frootloops on the Internet.

And MG1962, sadly enough, they probably don't consider those to be True Christians.

Yeah I know, I really dont like to be judgemental of other's faith. But going through life with the genuine hope your next breath will be your last seems a real waste

[Hokulele]

Yeah I know, I really dont like to be judgemental of other's faith. But going through life with the genuine hope your next breath will be your last seems a real waste


I wonder if there have ever been any studies on Christian feelings regarding the rapture. Most that I have known don't even think about it, and seem to assume that the second coming (if they even believe in such a thing) won't happen during their lives.

In your experience, do the Christians you know believe in the rapture and if so, do they think it is possible that it will happen in their lifetime?

[Akhenaten]

Yeah I know, I really dont like to be judgemental of other's faith. But going through life with the genuine hope your next breath will be your last seems a real waste


Well I love being judgemental, and I find your faith and your expression of it to be well worthy of respect but that rapture-ready mob are a sorry lot indeed.

So there.


Cheers Mate,

Dave

[quarky]

I'd say there's comfort in the idea of a mass exodus from life. I'm not religious, but sometimes I like the thought of a giant meteor slamming into Earth and killing everyone within the same second. It has a tidiness about it; no worries about other people's deaths or funerals or your kids needing to clean out your house or any of that pain of separation.

The rapture sounds even better, if you happen to be in on it, because its more elite and selective; only the like minded get to exit in unison. Its cozier than a belief in life after death, because you wouldn't be alone during the transition. Its loaded with the joyous anticipation of something akin to the last day of school, when all the kids leave the building for summer vacation at the same time.
Believing the rapture will take you implies a pleasing sort of superiority, as if only your friends get to leave school on the last day, and the kids you don't like have to stay in school all summer.

I like the giant meteor bashing scenario because it short-changes the rapture-ready, and they would have to suffer the indignation of all the souls getting out with them, provided it hits us before the rapture. It would be sweet if it happened before 2012 too, even though there'd be no "I told you so" moment.

(Now, I must go and pray that God delivers the sacred meteor, and then, max out my cards.)

[MG1962]

I wonder if there have ever been any studies on Christian feelings regarding the rapture. Most that I have known don't even think about it, and seem to assume that the second coming (if they even believe in such a thing) won't happen during their lives.

I would agree with that. We can fill our lives with what ifs, or we can deal with the what is. Personally I have no clue when to expect the second comming. The rare times I have pondered it, I have always been of the opinion that God expects something from us. To achieve something. Don't ask me what that something is. It might be something as simply getting the whole world to get along without all the rubbish that seems to plague us as a species


In your experience, do the Christians you know believe in the rapture and if so, do they think it is possible that it will happen in their lifetime?

I've known a couple who were eager for the rapture. Most just want to see out the day and wake up the next morning. Most think in terms of the future, doing what they can to help their kids, improve their own lives, all that sort of thing

[MG1962]

Well I love being judgemental, and I find your faith and your expression of it to be well worthy of respect but that rapture-ready mob are a sorry lot indeed.

So there.


Cheers Mate,

Dave

Yes but if I am correct, you claim to be one of the God kings of Egypt, so doesn't being judgemental feature highly in such a being's resume? :p

[MG1962]

I like the giant meteor bashing scenario because it short-changes the rapture-ready, and they would have to suffer the indignation of all the souls getting out with them, provided it hits us before the rapture. It would be sweet if it happened before 2012 too, even though there'd be no "I told you so" moment.

(Now, I must go and pray that God delivers the sacred meteor, and then, max out my cards.)

Can you leave off the 2012 stuff, well at least until the Olympics are over. I am kinda looking forward to seeing what London is going to do :)

[Hokulele]

I've known a couple who were eager for the rapture. Most just want to see out the day and wake up the next morning. Most think in terms of the future, doing what they can to help their kids, improve their own lives, all that sort of thing


Are you saying that Christians are just normal people? Heresy! ;)

[MG1962]

Are you saying that Christians are just normal people? Heresy! ;)

LOL - I will make a point to burn myself at the stake forthwith...though I might pass on the scurging. I Have a fairly delicate complexion and all

[learner]

I wonder if there have ever been any studies on Christian feelings regarding the rapture. Most that I have known don't even think about it, and seem to assume that the second coming (if they even believe in such a thing) won't happen during their lives.

In your experience, do the Christians you know believe in the rapture and if so, do they think it is possible that it will happen in their lifetime?

I live in the UK. I know a few Christians but I have never heard them mention the rapture. They may be keeping me out of the picture.

I will quizz a couple of them tomorow. Il let you know.

[thaiboxerken]

Plenty of "Rapture in our lifetime" believers I've talked to still have a retirement fund and save for their children's inheritance for some reason.

[sleepy_lioness]

Most Christians I know here in the UK either would be bemused if you asked them about the Rapture or (the more educated ones) view it as a nineteenth-century heresy, and a stupid/dangerous one at that.

My attitude was shaped by the rather marvellous chaplain when I was at university. He said that his view of the afterlife was that we couldn't afford to think about it while there was still so much injustice in this life. That's been my attitude ever since.

[MikeSun5]

It must be awful to live in such unrequited longing.

It's really awful of Jesus to put those people through such torment. Isn't He supposed to be nice?

If this miserable existence is so excruciatingly bad and the desire to die actually moves a person to tears every single day... that person probably shouldn't rule out suicide.

That sounds mean, but if God is really omnipotent and omnipresent, that would mean the Divine Plan had already acounted for everything, right? :rolleyes:

Ugh. Thanks Abdul, I actually feel dumber for reading that. ;) This thread should be called "Therapists (unlike Christians) have purpose in life."

[arthwollipot]

Ugh. I think the worst part was the smilies.

I want that thirty seconds back.

[pakeha]

So they say.

http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=106059

Well, that WAS an eye-opener.
I can't help wondering if that site doesn't actually reflect the yearnings of early Christians. Perhaps this is what accounted for the success of the church in the latter years of the Roman Empire.
Basically the appeal of:
"Beam me aboard, Scotty."

[Fiona]

What a heartbreaking site :(

[Abdul Alhazred]

The second coming of Christ is part of the traditional Christian faith.

The notion of every Christian being hauled up to Heaven bodily before the final battle (that is, the "Rapture") is not.

[Safe-Keeper]

The notion of every Christian being hauled up to Heaven bodily before the final battle (that is, the "Rapture") is not. But of course they are, they need to practice warfare in Valhalla!

Oh, sorry, wrong mythology.

[Sun Countess]

Ugh. I think the worst part was the smilies.


Aren't they awful? Not surprising though as that lot has such an infantile outlook. They don't want to grow up and be adults in the real world, but are waiting for their daddy to whisk them away to a big castle in the sky with puppies and ponies galore. No jobs, no bills, no responsibilities.

[MG1962]

My attitude was shaped by the rather marvellous chaplain when I was at university. He said that his view of the afterlife was that we couldn't afford to think about it while there was still so much injustice in this life. That's been my attitude ever since.

Thats interesting, I had the exact same thought when reading that site. If this world is so horrible, what are you doing about it other than sitting on the internet complaining

If more of us Christians actually spent some time helping our fellow man, maybe non Chrisitans would have a far more positive world view of us

[Thunder]

Oh, so if a Christian is convinced that Jesus was not the son of God, they have no reason to live???? How sad and pathetic.

I don't need the belief in a higher power to justify my existence or give me a reason to keep going. Life is a gift and I choose to enjoy it as long as I can.

[bokonon]

What a heartbreaking site :(
I agree.

I've never checked out RR before, but just spent an hour looking around. It looks to me like 95% of the people posting there are women without love in their lives, either single or married to drunkards or rednecks who provide more pain than pleasure. For them, Jesus seems to be the lover (or maybe the father) they SHOULD have had, and WILL have one day. "Smile - God loves you" can be the saddest words sometimes.

[RandFan]

Creepy. Even in my most fervent belief did I ever see life as nothing but a veil of tears. I did come to see evil everywhere but I believed that god wanted his followers to battle the evil and find joy in doing so.

I wonder what role depression plays if any. Would these individuals otherwise not be near suicidal. Hopefuly the rapture movement never adopts the Hale-Bop method. On the other hand perhaps it would be best for those who hate their lives so much that they want god to take them away.

[pakeha]

The second coming of Christ is part of the traditional Christian faith.

The notion of every Christian being hauled up to Heaven bodily before the final battle (that is, the "Rapture") is not.
Quite right, as far as I know.
I refered to the emotions and attitudes expressed there which other posters have commented on as well, rather than the historical accuracy of the belief.

[Olowkow]

So they say.

http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=106059

It seems like the posters are all women. I wonder what they have in common besides the religion, abusive husbands, loneliness?

Eta: Just saw this:
bokonon:It looks to me like 95% of the people posting there are women without love in their lives, either single or married to drunkards or rednecks who provide more pain than pleasure.

[Elizabeth I]

I live in the UK. I know a few Christians but I have never heard them mention the rapture. They may be keeping me out of the picture.

I will quizz a couple of them tomorow. Il let you know.

I think the "Rapture" concept is pretty much exclusive to the American fundamentalist approach to Christianity.

What I found appalling was the cavalier attitude toward friends and family members who would not be raptured - "Oh, well, they'll just find my shoes..."

And that brings up another question - why would just their shoes be left? If they were going to salvation naked, to claim their robes of glory, wouldn't all their clothes be left behind? And if they keep the rest of their clothes, why wouldn't their shoes go too?

[bokonon]

I think the point of the "only my shoes" comment was that her longing was so hot that she might burst into flame, consuming her clothes.

[Akhenaten]

The Gourd! Follow the Gourd! Enough of this shoe heresy!

[Undesired Walrus]

I find it deeply sad rather than amusing.

The feelings you describe are consistent w/someone living in a foreign land...and that is where we are. You sound homesick, Cake Decorator. Can't wait to meet you in our own country! Let's take a walk along the Crystal River sometime, Sister.


How can people believe this?

(What's the Crystal River?)

[The Platypus]

I think the "Rapture" concept is pretty much exclusive to the American fundamentalist approach to Christianity.

What I found appalling was the cavalier attitude toward friends and family members who would not be raptured - "Oh, well, they'll just find my shoes..."

And that brings up another question - why would just their shoes be left? If they were going to salvation naked, to claim their robes of glory, wouldn't all their clothes be left behind? And if they keep the rest of their clothes, why wouldn't their shoes go too?

That's a good question, for that matter why does the (raptured) body go to and not stay here? When people die and supposedly go on to an afterlife, their bodies don't disappear. The afterlife is claimed to be a spirit or soul level of existence, some sort of "spirit realm" (whatever that is), So why do the rapture people need a body there and noone else does?

Furthermore, why are there robes and for that matter, thrones, pearly gates, guards, and all these other physical things described in this spiritual realm?

None of it makes any sense...

[Professor Yaffle]

I was still a believer when I was at university. A friend brought a leaflet she had been given about the rapture into the chaplaincy, and it provided months of amusement. I had never even heard of it before.

[Foster Zygote]

No purpose? As an atheist I have plenty of purpose in my life. My purpose is to experience as much shallow, selfish physical pleasure as I possibly can without regard to who gets hurt. Tonight this purpose will take the form of a baby eating contest prior to the bouncy-house orgy.

[Cathoskeptic]

I don't think that most Christians realize they're praying for "The Rapture" or whatever it is when they recite "The Lord's Prayer":

"Thy Kingdom Come
Thy Will Be Done"

I've often wished to be whisked away into oblivion, but my anti-social tendencies cause me to shudder at a mass exodus from the planet with a bunch of bible quoting miscreants.

[sleepy_lioness]

Er ... the Lord's Prayer was written a good 18 or 19 centuries before the doctrine of the Rapture existed. The second coming is not the same thing as the Rapture.

And there is a lot of debate around whether the 'kingdom of God' (which appears to be one of the earliest and most authentic Christian doctrines, perhaps even the one that it's easiest to make the case for as coming from the supposed historical Jesus himself) means a future kingdom of heaven, or a better, Godly ordering of the world in the present. Most Christians in my experience hold to the now-and-not-yet interpretation: as Christians we are to play as much of a part as we can in building God's kingdom in the here-and-now, particularly with reference to the belittled and the marginalised who are that kingdom's natural citizens, but we also know that such a kingdom will be revealed in fullness only in heaven. As I said above, I prefer to emphasise the 'now' part, looking at how we can bring about a more just society in the only world we actually know to exist.

[Maia]

The original thread (the one linked to in the OP, I mean) is an incredibly sad read. These people don't sound as if they have any purpose in life at all. They come across as depressed, miserable, disturbed, hopeless, and badly in need of psychiatric help. There is so much longing for a better life in the present, but such a complete lack of faith that any improvement is possible that perhaps the rapture seems like the only hope for change...

Oh, BTW. This board does NOT let you click on "The Irrationality of Atheism" or "Dialogue With An Atheist" threads unless you're a registered member!!! I don't think it's a coincidence, personally. :P

[sleepy_lioness]

Agreed.

That could go for about 99% of the postings on rapture ready, but that thread is particularly sad.

[Beerina]

I once directly challenged Christians as to how "sucking up to God and jumping through his bizarre hoops just to not be tortured for ever and ever" was any decent kind of purpose at all.


Not much response.


Then I threw in the additional monkey wrench that the skills God was filtering for: kindness and the ability to believe without proof, were of any use given those who "fit" and get into Heaven are rewarded with a life where those skills are absolutely useless for all eternity.

I.e. filter out the people who don't have a small set of completely useless (in the long run) skills, and that's some kind of reasonable "purpose" to life? Say what?

Even fewer responses, which is to say, none.

[RandFan]

I once directly challenged Christians as to how "sucking up to God and jumping through his bizarre hoops just to not be tortured for ever and ever" was any decent kind of purpose at all.


Not much response.


Then I threw in the additional monkey wrench that the skills God was filtering for: kindness and the ability to believe without proof, were of any use given those who "fit" and get into Heaven are rewarded with a life where those skills are absolutely useless for all eternity.

I.e. filter out the people who don't have a small set of completely useless (in the long run) skills, and that's some kind of reasonable "purpose" to life? Say what?

Even fewer responses, which is to say, none.Bingo. It's a bizzare and silly idea. Why not just make us all mentally handicapped, incapable of malice? Isn't that what god has in store for us? He will turn us into a bunch of mind dead robots who won't have to feel any pain or remorse for those who for whatever reason didn't choose the right path?

[Slayhamlet]

Kind of creepy how one person wants her "unsaved family" to find nothing but her empty shoes. (Is that how it works? Can't go to heaven naked, I guess, but must the shoes be replaced with sandals or what?) Presumably that would mean her family has to go through a hellish tribulation period, not to mention the unexplained loss of their loved one. Or maybe she hates her family and relishes the thought of their suffering?

[Pure Argent]

Reading that thread made me incredibly sad inside. The worst part of it is that I want to help these people, but they won't let themselves be helped.

[Abdul Alhazred]

These people don't sound as if they have any purpose in life at all.

Just what I was getting at. :cool:

[Ralph]

There has been several threads over there recently along the lines of "How come nothing is happening?"

There seems to be some concern that things have been relatively "quiet" in the world over the last few months.

The economy hasn't collapsed--war hasn't broken out in the Mid-East--Obama hasn't declared the Bill of Rights to be null & void--and there have been no "mandatory gay sex laws" passed in congress.

Fortunately some of the more positive "the cup is half full--not half empty" types will cheer everybody up by reminders that "hey--it's just the calm before the storm" or "yeah...but there's been a TON of earthquakes around the globe lately."

I think many of the posters there are just individuals who are having a very hard time with life for various reasons.

I can understand the appeal of something that promises to make all your troubles magically go away....and why there is so much impatience when one day just proceeds into the next
without any magic trumpet sounding from the heavens.

[Robin]

Can you leave off the 2012 stuff, well at least until the Olympics are over. I am kinda looking forward to seeing what London is going to do :)
Don't worry, it is planned for the closing ceremony. Fireworks are so 2008.

[kurious_kathy]

What a heartbreaking site :(

No Fiona, the real heartbreak is for all those that will be left behind!

[Pure Argent]

No Fiona, the real heartbreak is for all those that will be left behind!

Oh dear lord, the queen of trolls has returned. Is it not enough that we have both Yrreg and Ethnikos currently here? And we have to deal with Biblo as well.
*sigh*

In any case, KK, you have yet to present any satisfactory evidence that the Rapture will happen. Until such time as you do, I'm afraid I must file all your posts with Ethnikos's, under "Bare Assertion Fallacy."

[bookitty]

No Fiona, the real heartbreak is for all those that will be left behind!

Do you honestly believe that? That is not sarcasm. I am wondering if, when you think of the rapture, you feel actual heartbreak for those left behind.

[bokonon]

Bingo. It's a bizzare and silly idea. Why not just make us all mentally handicapped, incapable of malice? Isn't that what god has in store for us? He will turn us into a bunch of mind dead robots who won't have to feel any pain or remorse for those who for whatever reason didn't choose the right path?
Compared to God, we ARE all mentally and physically handicapped. He can see us, but we can't see him.

Damn, if I was the all-powerful creator of the universe, that's exactly what I'd do. Make a world full of dumb asses, and burn them if they didn't worship me.

'Cause that's just the kind of loving guy I am.

[RandFan]

No Fiona, the real heartbreak is for all those that will be left behind!If the fantasy were real.

[Elizabeth I]

Do you honestly believe that? That is not sarcasm. I am wondering if, when you think of the rapture, you feel actual heartbreak for those left behind.

She does, except when she is fantasizing about her feelings of superiority and vindication should that minute ever come.

[SezMe]

And we have to deal with Biblo as well.
*sigh*
Sigh no more. Biblo was raptured (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=152442) by the Admins. Did anybody see his shoes?

[SezMe]

Ugh. I think the worst part was the smilies.
I had a somewhat different reaction. I thought the avatars and nics were sickly sweet.

[pakeha]

No Fiona, the real heartbreak is for all those that will be left behind!

Why do you think there'll be a rapture, kurious_kathy?

[bokonon]

Sigh no more. Biblo was raptured (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=152442) by the Admins. Did anybody see his shoes?
DON'T TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES!

Jobs is on the way.

[bookitty]

She does, except when she is fantasizing about her feelings of superiority and vindication should that minute ever come.

So the usual then. No fundie has ever been able to explain why they try to "save" people by first alienating them in the most insulting ways possible.

[joobz]

I read this thread right after holding a silly face contest with my son. It seems clear to me what evil is. It's wishing for an end of the world.

[Elizabeth I]

I read this thread right after holding a silly face contest with my son. It seems clear to me what evil is. It's wishing for an end of the world.

You better stop it or your face will freeze that way! :p

[Tricky]

DON'T TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES!

Jobs is on the way.

But what if you wan't to sit up in a tree and learn to play the flute?

[RandFan]

I read this thread right after holding a silly face contest with my son. It seems clear to me what evil is. It's wishing for an end of the world.Wow. That really puts things into perspective. I couldn't agree more.

[BobTheDonkey]

You better stop it or your face will freeze that way! :p

Will it still be frozen after the rapture? :D

[RoboTimbo]

Reading that thread made me incredibly sad inside. The worst part of it is that I want to help these people, but they won't let themselves be helped.

Ditto. I had to stop reading.

[RoboTimbo]

No Fiona, the real heartbreak is for all those that will be left behind!

No, kk, the real heartbreak is for all those whose lives are so shallow that they can't wait for them to end, and want everyone else's to end with them.

[Hokulele]

No, kk, the real heartbreak is for all those whose lives are so shallow that they can't wait for them to end, and want everyone else's to end with them.


I think the whole point of the rapture is that everyone else's lives don't end, those "left behind" get to suffer through the whole tribulation nonsense.

Which, of course, only makes the people actively praying for the rapture seem that much sadder.

[bokonon]

But what if you wan't to sit up in a tree and learn to play the flute?
There's an app for that.

[bruto]

No Fiona, the real heartbreak is for all those that will be left behind!If you possessed the kind of Christian virtues I learned back when I got my Christian education, such a feeling of heartbreak would induce you to stay behind with us. If you want Jesus really to love you, hand your ticket over to your neighbor.

Whatever kind of greedy, exclusive, pompous and self-congratulatory neo-Christian garbage rapture seekers have swallowed, it smells like bovine excrement to me. If you're planning to go, I'll be happy to stay.

e.t.a. after posting this, I recalled that some long time ago I had a similar argument with the now departed "DavidjayJordan," and dashed off this little verse, which disappeared into the archives, so at the risk (no, the certainty) or repeating myself....Paradise Declined

The end time looms, the barking prophets cry!
The faithful few queue up and beg for space.
They leave the doomed and luckless no goodbyes,
And gird for battle, covetous of grace.

But when the turncoat deity's moved on,
Must preterites beweep their outcast state?
Perhaps God's loaf, no tenderer than stone
Has lingered long enough on mankind's plate.

Old Solomon, though often rude, was wise:
A time for all, to everything a season.
Now uneclipsed, the sun of man may rise,
And wit, once dulled by gods, return to reason.

Jehovah's price is more than rapture's worth.
Leave me behind, to love the godless earth.

[Beanbag]

The first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem. Unfortunately, if the problem appears to you as a yummy, cold, double-dipped Klondike Bar, then the odds of you regarding it as a problem are extremely slim.

They hope for something better, not realizing that maybe things aren't so bad right here if they just did SOMETHING other than wait for the end. It's like the parable of the castaways at sea without water, who when approached by another boat were told to cast down their bucket where they were. Turns out, they were in the outflow of the Amazon River, which extends miles out to sea, and the water was fresh.

Beanbag

[Paulhoff]

No Fiona, the real heartbreak is for all those that will be left behind!
Yes KK, and you will be here with us.

Paul

:) :) :)

[Jeff Corey]

Yes KK, and you will be here with us.

Paul

:) :) :)

I wish that wasn't true. If all those people who believed in that were to suddenly disappear, wouldn't that make the world a saner, more rational place? It would probably result in having to adjust all the IQ scores.
Plus we could all have a bunch of shoes. Imelda Marcos would be enraptured.

[Elizabeth I]

I wish that wasn't true. If all those people who believed in that were to suddenly disappear, wouldn't that make the world a saner, more rational place? It would probably result in having to adjust all the IQ scores.
Plus we could all have a bunch of shoes. Imelda Marcos would be enraptured.

Yeah but I bet all those people wear ugly shoes.

[Hokulele]

OK, this video is kind of mean, but funny. If you seriously believe in the rapture, I do not recommend watching it. If you have a sense of humor, watch it.

http://www.break.com/usercontent/2007/8/Faking-the-rapture-350627.html

[pakeha]

Nice one, Hokulele.

[Hokulele]

Nice one, Hokulele.


:)

[RoboTimbo]

I think the whole point of the rapture is that everyone else's lives don't end, those "left behind" get to suffer through the whole tribulation nonsense.

Which, of course, only makes the people actively praying for the rapture seem that much sadder.

Woo hoo! I got the sad part right.

[bluesjnr]

If you possessed the kind of Christian virtues I learned back when I got my Christian education, such a feeling of heartbreak would induce you to stay behind with us. If you want Jesus really to love you, hand your ticket over to your neighbor.

Whatever kind of greedy, exclusive, pompous and self-congratulatory neo-Christian garbage rapture seekers have swallowed, it smells like bovine excrement to me. If you're planning to go, I'll be happy to stay.SNIP

Sometimes somebody comes along and manages to eloquently state just what I feel.

Could not have put it better myself.

(BTW: I felt a little grubby after visiting the site - tainted even)

[BobTheDonkey]

OK, this video is kind of mean, but funny. If you seriously believe in the rapture, I do not recommend watching it. If you have a sense of humor, watch it.

http://www.break.com/usercontent/2007/8/Faking-the-rapture-350627.html

Excellent find!

Quite hilarious.

[quarky]

If I was a pervert looking for a sweet, naive woman to lock in my tool shed for 18 years, I'd definitely join that site. Those babes are ready to be missing.

[RandFan]

If I was a pervert looking for a sweet, naive woman to lock in my tool shed for 18 years, I'd definitely join that site. Those babes are ready to be missing.

:rolleyes:

WTF?

ETA: It's late and I'm guessing that I'm just missing the point. I'm still perplexed. It seems like you are saying that some women deserve to be kidnapped and held as sex slaves. It's just that I find that hard to believe. Right?

[learner]

Well I quizzed my two UK christian friends. The second coming appears to be something they don't consider much. It willl happen, but since they don't know when, they don't give it much regard. As for the rapture, they inform me that it is an American thing that they give even less thought to.
Bemused at my questions would sum it up.

[SezMe]

:rolleyes:

WTF?

ETA: It's late and I'm guessing that I'm just missing the point. I'm still perplexed. It seems like you are saying that some women deserve to be kidnapped and held as sex slaves. It's just that I find that hard to believe. Right?
No crap. It's even later so maybe that explains why I don't get your inane post. I sure as hell hope that RandFan is right that you are **** in the head.

[pakeha]

If I was a pervert looking for a sweet, naive woman to lock in my tool shed for 18 years, I'd definitely join that site. Those babes are ready to be missing.

Grotesque and in really bad taste, yes.
But with an underlying truth to it, yes, unfortunately.
I perceive posters to that site in question to be extremely vulnerable, very easily fooled and probably fair game for the taking.
Rather like the mums who bought into the Indigo Babies marketing ploy, in fact.

How long before someone starts fleecing these people with special bracelets, pendants or rings to identify themselves at the moment of Rapture so they won't be inadvertently left behind?
Books, DVDs, tee shirts, blessed candles, 'appropriate' real estate, will changing...
Hmmm. A lot of scope here.

[sleepy_lioness]

OK, own up: which one of you is behind this?

http://eternal-earthbound-pets.com/Home_Page.html

[pakeha]

A great find, sleepy lioness.
The paypal button works, too.
Catering to the needs of sensitive believers, indeed.

[HansMustermann]

I think just "having a purpose in life" is kinda meaningless anyway, because it:

1. doesn't make someone or something automatically good or a better member of society. Stalin had a purpose in life. Mao had a purpose in life. Pol Pot had a purpose in life. Elisabeth Bathory had one heck of a purpose in life. Etc.

2. doesn't even make someone automatically happier. E.g., if my purpose in life is to build a perpetuum mobile and I just get laughed at for it, it's gonna make me pretty unhappy. Judging by the sheer amount of insecurity in some religious people, I wonder if they actually get a benefit out of having that purpose.

Basically there's a reason why for everything else "denial" is a step to be overcome. Making denial one's purpose in life isn't going to work any better than for anything else.

3. doesn't make it any less stupid. E.g., to use the perpetuum mobile example again, just being a purpose in life doesn't make it any less stupid.

4. doesn't necessarily achieve anything. See the perpetuum mobile example again.

Etc.

So basically, ok, let's say they have a purpose in life. So what?

[RoboTimbo]

OK, own up: which one of you is behind this?

http://eternal-earthbound-pets.com/Home_Page.html

We have a thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=147413&highlight=eternal+earthbound+pets) for that.

[Pure Argent]

OK, own up: which one of you is behind this?

http://eternal-earthbound-pets.com/Home_Page.html

This was a great way to start the day.

[bokonon]

No Fiona, the real heartbreak is for all those that will be left behind!
Have you seen how God is punishing California this week for the CA Supreme Court decision upholding Proposition 8? He's really saying, in no uncertain terms, "Here's a taste of the hellfire waiting for those who deny my children equal rights," don't you think?

Yeah, all those bigots are now on notice that they're on the "left behind" list; the events of this week prove it. San Bernardino voted to approve Prop 8, and now close to 100,000 acres of that godless den of inequality are reaping the results.

Praise the Lord! And woe unto those who do not heed His signs!

[quarky]

:rolleyes:

WTF?

ETA: It's late and I'm guessing that I'm just missing the point. I'm still perplexed. It seems like you are saying that some women deserve to be kidnapped and held as sex slaves. It's just that I find that hard to believe. Right?

I'm not sure how my point got misconstrued.
One; I'm not that pervert, nor do I approve of kidnapping...I'd hope that was obvious; perhaps I should be more careful.

Two; My point was that this sort of group (the rapture-ready) seems to be dangerously willing to believe in something singularly cynical and retarded.
Reading some of the posts on that site gave me a sinking feeling that such a mindset was a potential breeding ground for the sort of intellect (or lack thereof) required for suicide bombers and Charlie Manson-type devotees.

I'm confused as to why that wasn't obvious, or a valid point. These people show a willingness to believe the most outlandish thing...and, more troubling, a willingness and even a desire to die.

I apologize for the confusion, but I hope I don't need to resort to smiley icons in the future for my intent to be read.

[xXMoshtradamusXx]

OK, own up: which one of you is behind this?

http://eternal-earthbound-pets.com/Home_Page.html

*raises hand sheepishly...*
lol
Naw, not really, love to get in on this scam though...
Caveat emptor!!!

[RandFan]

I'm not sure how my point got misconstrued.Perhaps because it smacks of blaming the victim.

One; I'm not that pervert, nor do I approve of kidnapping...I'd hope that was obvious; perhaps I should be more careful.I see nothing obvious about it.

Two; My point was that this sort of group (the rapture-ready) seems to be dangerously willing to believe in something singularly cynical and retarded.

Reading some of the posts on that site gave me a sinking feeling that such a mindset was a potential breeding ground for the sort of intellect (or lack thereof) required for suicide bombers and Charlie Manson-type devotees.

I'm confused as to why that wasn't obvious, or a valid point. These people show a willingness to believe the most outlandish thing...and, more troubling, a willingness and even a desire to die.

I apologize for the confusion, but I hope I don't need to resort to smiley icons in the future for my intent to be read. The impression I got was that if any harm came to these women it would be their fault. Now it seems you are saying that their situation is ripe for exploitation. Ok but I'm not sure how mocking them in that way helps or furthers the discussion but that's fine. To each his own.

[bookitty]

OK, own up: which one of you is behind this?

http://eternal-earthbound-pets.com/Home_Page.html

Pascal's for pets!

[Philosaur]

Perhaps because it smacks of blaming the victim.

I see nothing obvious about it.

The impression I got was that if any harm came to these women it would be their fault. Now it seems you are saying that their situation is ripe for exploitation. Ok but I'm not sure how mocking them in that way helps or furthers the discussion but that's fine. To each his own.

From www.thesaurus.com:

humorless - 1 of 1 thesaurus result

Main Entry: stuffy
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: old-fashioned, prim

Synonyms:
Victorian, arrogant, bloated, conventional, dreary, dull, fusty, genteel, humorless, important, magisterial, musty, narrow-minded, pompous, priggish, prim and proper, prissy, prudish, puffy, puritanical, self-important, staid, stilted, stodgy, straitlaced, uninteresting

[RandFan]

humorless - 1 of 1 thesaurus resultA.) You might have a point if Quarky had claimed it was a joke (hint: He didn't (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=5062544#post5062544)). B.) Had I misconstrued a joke it wouldn't make me humorless.

Care for a second try?

ETA: If you thought you were being funny then might I suggest you keep your day job. That people don't find you funny doesn't necassarily make them humorless.

[themusicteacher]

It looks like there's gonna be a lot of shoes laying around.
"Some days I think that I will have spontaneous combustion from the absolute longing for the rapture and all that my unsaved family will find, will be my shoes"
This also explains what happened to the drummer from Spinal Tap who didn't drown in vomit.

Is this sort of nonsense not exhibit "A" in the pantheon of "these guys are complete whack-job narcissists and borderline (of not actual) psychotics" or, perhaps, on the other end, "complete and utter manic-depressives?" I mean, they either think they're so special that Jebus is coming for them or they're so forlorn and hate the world so much that they want Jebus to come for them. In any instance, they are, much like the California coastline, very unstable and prone to wild flights of fancy that leave most bewildered and wondering, "WTF is up with that?"

[quarky]

Perhaps because it smacks of blaming the victim.

I see nothing obvious about it.

The impression I got was that if any harm came to these women it would be their fault. Now it seems you are saying that their situation is ripe for exploitation. Ok but I'm not sure how mocking them in that way helps or furthers the discussion but that's fine. To each his own.

"Perhaps because it smacks of blaming the victim"?

I guess I see why it may have looked that way, being as I used a topical news story as a reference point. I see that it was an inaccurate analolgy, as that girl that was kidnapped was not a religious nut-job seeking death by Jesus.

I should have said something more along the lines of "If I was Charlie Manson, looking for some easy targets to do my bidding, I'd work that web-site."

Jeez, RandFan, you're a ball-buster, but I appreciate it, and yield your point.
I wouldn't want to give the impression that I'm a heartless, insensitive bastard. My poorly worded point was that these rapture-ready folks are potentially dangerous due to their urge for death and lack of critical thinking.

I can't think of a likelier group to be exploited as suicide bombers in the U.S., for instance.

[steve s]

I read through this thread the other day but didn't take the time to respond. It amazes me that the people over at RR can even function in the world. Why bother getting an education, or a job, or making any sort of preparations for the future?

Someone else mentioned that they're all probably stuck in loveless marriages. I agree. If these people had any sort of joy in their lives they'd want to live to 100.

Steve S.

[jond]

But what if you wan't to sit up in a tree and learn to play the flute?

Do be do wah...

[kurious_kathy]

Do you honestly believe that? That is not sarcasm. I am wondering if, when you think of the rapture, you feel actual heartbreak for those left behind.

Yes I do! This world is already a really difficult place to survive in but the hell that is about to be unleashed on the world means everyone is getting closer to judgement day. We know through scripture many will be saved during the great tribulation period, but it will be harder as people will literally have to choose to be put to death for their faith.

I also am active in ministry supporting VOM which is the persecuted church all around the globe and many today are already experiencing this horrible thing. Actually Jesus promises those who are martyrd for their faith big rewards in heaven but I still say it's not okay that evil men want to kill Christians for speaking the truth of the gospel message.

Who do you think is behind all the evil and corruption in this world? I say it's evil men filled with Satan but everyone else needs to draw their own conclusion.

[RoboTimbo]

Yes I do! This world is already a really difficult place to survive in but the hell that is about to be unleashed on the world means everyone is getting closer to judgement day. We know through scripture many will be saved during the great tribulation period, but it will be harder as people will literally have to choose to be put to death for their faith.

I also am active in ministry supporting VOM which is the persecuted church all around the globe and many today are already experiencing this horrible thing. Actually Jesus promises those who are martyrd for their faith big rewards in heaven but I still say it's not that evil men want to kill Christians for speaking the truth of the gospel message.

Who do you think is behind all the evil and coruption in this world? I say it's evil men filled with Satan but everyone else needs to draw their own conclusion.

Do you own any pets? I can offer to take care of them after you've been raptured for a small fee.

[kurious_kathy]

Well I quizzed my two UK christian friends. The second coming appears to be something they don't consider much. It willl happen, but since they don't know when, they don't give it much regard. As for the rapture, they inform me that it is an American thing that they give even less thought to.
Bemused at my questions would sum it up.

Everyone knows the church has been pretty dead in the UK now for many years. The problem I see now is the US is not far behind if we don't repent as a nation!

P.S. Do you think God is sending a message to Hollywood with all these fires going on in Southern California? I really am praying some of these big time Hollyweird producers get saved. If some of these guys would get saved they could start countering the crap we see in the media. Big prayers going out for God to do what only he can do in working out some miracles of salvation, and now would be a great time for it!

Wake Up People, Today is a good day to seek the Lord while he may still be found!!

[RoboTimbo]

Everyone knows the church has been pretty dead in the UK now for many years. The problem I see now is the US is not far behind if we don't repent as a nation!

One can only hope.

P.S. Do you think God is sending a message to Hollywood with all these fires going on in Southern California?

That is a disgusting thing to say. How many people do you hope die?

[kurious_kathy]

Do you own any pets? I can offer to take care of them after you've been raptured for a small fee.

What if the pets get raptured? We don't know that much what happens to the animals through scripture, but if I have to leave my 2 dogs and 5 cats behind I would hope someone like you who loves animals would take care of them.

P.S. Thanks for caring about critters, they are truly wonderful. You should see the birds we have here in the foothills. I wake up each day to their beautiful singing each morning and it is asolutely a treat to hear so many beautiful little bird voices. So you see how even the birds praise God, what about you? I praise God because of who he is, our wonderful creator, redeemer, friend! You can know God this way too if you'll just believe in his Son!!

[joobz]

Yes I do! This world is already a really difficult place to survive in but the hell that is about to be unleashed on the world means everyone is getting closer to judgement day.
Yet, instead of doing something to make it better, you simply claim that everything is bad.

We know through scripture many will be saved during the great tribulation period, but it will be harder as people will literally have to choose to be put to death for their faith.
It's interesting that god would play the "favorites" game, don't you think?

Would you ever tell your kids, "Um so this neighborhood is getting really bad, so We're moving. Except for you Jimmy. You must remain here...."

I also am active in ministry supporting VOM which is the persecuted church all around the globe and many today are already experiencing this horrible thing.
You actively support a church which makes people feel bad?

Actually Jesus promises those who are martyrd for their faith big rewards in heaven but I still say it's not okay that evil men want to kill Christians for speaking the truth of the gospel message.
You keep claiming that the world is horrible, but haven't offered to make it better. interesting...


Who do you think is behind all the evil and corruption in this world? I say it's evil men filled with Satan but everyone else needs to draw their own conclusion. what evil and corruption?
The only evil i've seen recently is people wishing they will be wisked away to heaven while god inflicts unholy torments on those "left Behind". I honestly can't think of a more evil thought than willful selfish self-preservation, believing that the thing the fearfully revere will horibbly punish everyone else for eternity.

[joobz]

P.S. Do you think God is sending a message to Hollywood with all these fires going on in Southern California?
No, I think god is sending a message to california for passing Proposition 8.



In all seriousness, your statement is pure evil.

[kurious_kathy]

That is a disgusting thing to say. How many people do you hope die?

Don't take me wrong, I hate death too but everyone does have to face this reality someday and I'm here to state, "Are You Ready When God Says Your Time Is Up?"

As for the media and the crap Hollywood puts out I pray they repent and stop it. I can't tell you how many times I rent movies and turn them off because of the filthy language and content. God did not intend us to entertain ourselves with crap so I guess now Christians are just going to have to stand up to the movie industry and say we won't pay good money anymore to watch your crap. I do not like cursing at all anymore as Jesus has changed me, and now I cringe at the fact that it is in almost everything produced these days by the film and music industry. If people don't stop saying GD all the time I'm going to SCREAM! "Stop taking God's name in vain." I am totally upset with Hollywood, and I believe they are in big trouble on judgement day. That all I'm going to say. Is anyone out there is agreement with me?

[kurious_kathy]

No, I think god is sending a message to california for passing Proposition 8.



In all seriousness, your statement is pure evil.

People are sinners which sin itself is the evil. Please try to wrap your head around that.

As for California, I am a native Californian and for the first time in my life I am thinking about moving to another state. Perhaps God wants us to move out before he allows it to burn up for it's sins, I don't know but I know one thing, I do not want to be a part of the problem in California, I want to part of the solution if this is at all possible? And don't take me wrong, I do not wish harm on anyone, but God is going to deal with people and their sins and sometimes the end result is really BAD! He forgives our sins when we accept him, but he does not say sin is ever okay and we are allowed to keep doing it.

[RoboTimbo]

You're ok with saying the people of California are being endangered by wildfires because they're evil but someone saying god damn is bad?

I'll take any number of god damns over saying people deserve their misfortune any day.

God damn, that is still disgusting.

[Hokulele]

P.S. Do you think God is sending a message to Hollywood with all these fires going on in Southern California?


That is a disgustingly callous thing to ask.

[BobTheDonkey]

Thanks Hok and Rob...I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one completely disgusted by KK's latest few posts.

[kurious_kathy]

That is a disgustingly callous thing to ask.

Just call me Ezra as I certainly can relate to this prophets message in Ezra chapter 9 & 10.

And please don"t shoot the messenger as I am just trying to convey God's truth to a blind world. We all just need to repent of our wickedness for the kingdom of God is at hand!

[BobTheDonkey]

Just call me EZRA! I certainly relate to this prophets message in EZRA chapter 9 & 10! And please don"t shoot the messeanger,as I am just trying to convey God's truth to a blind world. We all just need to repent of our wickedness for the kingdom of God is at hand!!

KK, you look down on us atheists with disdain and you call us evil because we refuse to share your illogical and unfounded beliefs...

But YOU are the one wishing ill on your fellow mankind.

None of the atheists in this thread truly wish ill on any other human simply for not having the same beliefs (or not not having the same beliefs) as we hold.

Your position, KK, is disgustingly evil and wicked, in every sense of those words - both biblical and secular.

[Pure Argent]

Yes I do! This world is already a really difficult place to survive in but the hell that is about to be unleashed on the world means everyone is getting closer to judgement day. We know through scripture many will be saved during the great tribulation period, but it will be harder as people will literally have to choose to be put to death for their faith.

"How do you know it's going to happen?" "The Bible says it will?" "How do you know you can believe the Bible?" "God has said the Bible is true?" "How do you know that?" "The Bible says!"

There. Entire question/rebuttal session skipped there. No need to go through it now.

I also am active in ministry supporting VOM which is the persecuted church all around the globe and many today are already experiencing this horrible thing. Actually Jesus promises those who are martyrd for their faith big rewards in heaven but I still say it's not okay that evil men want to kill Christians for speaking the truth of the gospel message.

No, it's not. It's never okay to kill. But it also isn't okay to go around saying "I'm persecuted!" when you are MAINSTREAM RELIGION.

Who do you think is behind all the evil and corruption in this world? I say it's evil men filled with Satan but everyone else needs to draw their own conclusion.

Eliminate the "Filled with Satan" part and you're right. It's circular logic - what causes evil? Evil! - but it's still right.

Everyone knows the church has been pretty dead in the UK now for many years.

Which "everyone"? You? Yeah, that's what I thought.

The problem I see now is the US is not far behind if we don't repent as a nation!

Bare assertion. Every old generation always shouts about the "moral backsliding" of the new. It's like a hobby. A really annoying hobby.

P.S. Do you think God is sending a message to Hollywood with all these fires going on in Southern California?

Edited for rule 12 and civility.
I really am praying some of these big time Hollyweird producers get saved. If some of these guys would get saved they could start countering the crap we see in the media. Big prayers going out for God to do what only he can do in working out some miracles of salvation, and now would be a great time for it!

Wake Up People, Today is a good day to seek the Lord while he may still be found!!

Preaching. Duly ignored.

What if the pets get raptured? We don't know that much what happens to the animals through scripture, but if I have to leave my 2 dogs and 5 cats behind I would hope someone like you who loves animals would take care of them.

I thought that animals didn't have souls according to Christianity?

P.S. Thanks for caring about critters, they are truly wonderful. You should see the birds we have here in the foothills. I wake up each day to their beautiful singing each morning and it is asolutely a treat to hear so many beautiful little bird voices. So you see how even the birds praise God, what about you? I praise God because of who he is, our wonderful creator, redeemer, friend! You can know God this way too if you'll just believe in his Son!!

Started out fine. Ended up preaching. Edited for civility.

Don't take me wrong, I hate death too but everyone does have to face this reality someday and I'm here to state, "Are You Ready When God Says Your Time Is Up?"

Backpedaling. Edited for rule 12 and civility.

As for the media and the crap Hollywood puts out I pray they repent and stop it. I can't tell you how many times I rent movies and turn them off because of the filthy language and content. God did not intend us to entertain ourselves with crap so I guess now Christians are just going to have to stand up to the movie industry and say we won't pay good money anymore to watch your crap. I do not like cursing at all anymore as Jesus has changed me, and now I cringe at the fact that it is in almost everything produced these days by the film and music industry. If people don't stop saying GD all the time I'm going to SCREAM! "Stop taking God's name in vain." I am totally upset with Hollywood, and I believe they are in big trouble on judgement day. That all I'm going to say. Is anyone out there is agreement with me?

No.

People are sinners which sin itself is the evil. Please try to wrap your head around that.

Please prove that sin exists.

As for California, I am a native Californian and for the first time in my life I am thinking about moving to another state. Perhaps God wants us to move out before he allows it to burn up for it's sins, I don't know but I know one thing, I do not want to be a part of the problem in California, I want to part of the solution if this is at all possible? And don't take me wrong, I do not wish harm on anyone, but God is going to deal with people and their sins and sometimes the end result is really BAD! He forgives our sins when we accept him, but he does not say sin is ever okay and we are allowed to keep doing it.

Kathy, stop harping on California. You are only lowering yourself further, Edited for rule 12 and civility.
Regardless of your feelings about another member, you must remain civil and refrain from personal attacks.

[bokonon]

As for California, I am a native Californian and for the first time in my life I am thinking about moving to another state.
I'm willing to contribute $10 for every state you put between your new residence and California. If you move to Maine, this could be a lucrative proposition.

[Pure Argent]

Just call me Ezra as I certainly can relate to this prophets message in Ezra chapter 9 & 10.

And please don"t shoot the messenger as I am just trying to convey God's truth to a blind world. We all just need to repent of our wickedness for the kingdom of God is at hand!

You are no prophet. You are a sick, twisted human being who refuses to see how disgusting her beliefs are. If you were a prophet simply for saying that the end times are near, then you would be on the same level as three thousand hobos.

[Hokulele]

And please don"t shoot the messenger as I am just trying to convey God's truth to a blind world.


When the messenger implies that the firefighters who gave their lives battling this blaze somehow deserved their fate, I am more than willing to call their message and their delivery of said message disgustingly callous.

[bokonon]

Do you think God is sending a message to Hollywood with all these fires going on in Southern California?
Probably. I know whenever I'm not happy with a movie I've paid good money to see, I go out and torch a few thousand acres, because that's the clearest way I can think of to express my displeasure with the movie. Doesn't everyone do this?

I'm the same way when the food at a local restaurant is not up to my standards. After I pay for the meal, I go straight to a nearby street and vandalize it from one end to the other. That sends an unambiguous message to the turkeys running the restaurant that there are consequences for their nonsense!

Good God, I'm just!

[applecorped]

Fortunately not all Christians have given up on this world, or pray daily for the Rapture to begin

Those who do will soon be as extinct as the VelociRapture.;)

[RoboTimbo]

Just call me Ezra as I certainly can relate to this prophets message in Ezra chapter 9 & 10.

And please don"t shoot the messenger as I am just trying to convey God's truth to a blind world. We all just need to repent of our wickedness for the kingdom of God is at hand!

Nope, that one was totally you, not you acting as someone else's messenger. Those are your "thoughts" and your feelings.

[bokonon]

Nope, that one was totally you, not you acting as someone else's messenger. Those are your "thoughts" and your feelings.
So were Ezra's.

[Elizabeth I]

I'm willing to contribute $10 for every state you put between your new residence and California. If you move to Maine, this could be a lucrative proposition.

As long as when she gets to Texas she keeps right on going.

[joobz]

People are sinners which sin itself is the evil. Please try to wrap your head around that.
ok. I will.
1.) Since sin is a violation of god's law and there is no god, there is no sin. AS such, defining evil as sin is nonsensical
2.) My vision of evil is selfish self-gratification at the expense of others wellbeing.



As for California, I am a native Californian and for the first time in my life I am thinking about moving to another state. Perhaps God wants us to move out before he allows it to burn up for it's sins, I don't know but I know one thing, I do not want to be a part of the problem in California, I want to part of the solution if this is at all possible? And don't take me wrong, I do not wish harm on anyone, but God is going to deal with people and their sins and sometimes the end result is really BAD!
Again, your solution to problems is to run away and claim taht you are doing "the lord's work" while other people suffer and die.

THAT IS EVIL.


He forgives our sins when we accept him, but he does not say sin is ever okay and we are allowed to keep doing it.
It's funny how your callous disregard of other people's safety and well being isn't a sin. But if any of those firefighters in California were atheist, you would claim they would be punished eternally in hell for being sinful.

[bruto]

Don't take me wrong, I hate death too but everyone does have to face this reality someday and I'm here to state, "Are You Ready When God Says Your Time Is Up?"

As for the media and the crap Hollywood puts out I pray they repent and stop it. I can't tell you how many times I rent movies and turn them off because of the filthy language and content. God did not intend us to entertain ourselves with crap so I guess now Christians are just going to have to stand up to the movie industry and say we won't pay good money anymore to watch your crap. I do not like cursing at all anymore as Jesus has changed me, and now I cringe at the fact that it is in almost everything produced these days by the film and music industry. If people don't stop saying GD all the time I'm going to SCREAM! "Stop taking God's name in vain." I am totally upset with Hollywood, and I believe they are in big trouble on judgement day. That all I'm going to say. Is anyone out there is agreement with me?

How do you know so much of what God does or doesn't intend us to entertain ourselves with? If you can extrapolate that from the Bible or whatever part you extrapolate this stuff from, why can't you come up with a better notion of whether or not pets will be raptured?

Oh, and since when is "crap" not cussing. It's mild, but it's just **** lite.

[Safe-Keeper]

Probably. I know whenever I'm not happy with a movie I've paid good money to see, I go out and torch a few thousand acres, because that's the clearest way I can think of to express my displeasure with the movie. Doesn't everyone do this?

I'm the same way when the food at a local restaurant is not up to my standards. After I pay for the meal, I go straight to a nearby street and vandalize it from one end to the other. That sends an unambiguous message to the turkeys running the restaurant that there are consequences for their nonsense!

Good God, I'm just! You forgot merciful.

[Akhenaten]

Just call me Ezra as I certainly can relate to this prophets message in Ezra chapter 9 & 10.

And please don"t shoot the messenger as I am just trying to convey God's truth to a blind world. We all just need to repent of our wickedness for the kingdom of God is at hand!


Matthew 13:13

Therefore I speak to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand


Jeremiah 5:21

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:


Isaiah 6:9-10

And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear you indeed, but understand not; and see indeed, but perceive not.

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.


Akhenaten

There is none so blind as she who will not see.

[pakeha]

Everyone knows the church has been pretty dead in the UK now for many years. The problem I see now is the US is not far behind if we don't repent as a nation!

P.S. Do you think God is sending a message to Hollywood with all these fires going on in Southern California?

Perhaps it's OT, but I'd be willing to bet kk doesn't know in which state you'd find the UK.

Repent 'as a nation'?
For what, exactly?
Allowing witches to live? Not stoning uppity children? Permitting Jews to own property?

kk's notion that the fires raging in California are part of God's message to Hollywood is simply amazing.
Not one prayer for the firefighters and the volunteers working til they drop to contain the devastation? Not one prayer for the families of those who have died?

[bookitty]

Perhaps it's OT, but I'd be willing to bet kk doesn't know in which state you'd find the UK.

Repent 'as a nation'?
For what, exactly?
Allowing witches to live? Not stoning uppity children? Permitting Jews to own property?

kk's notion that the fires raging in California are part of God's message to Hollywood is simply amazing.
Not one prayer for the firefighters and the volunteers working til they drop to contain the devastation? Not one prayer for the families of those who have died?

I'm from LA, currently enjoying a sunset that starts at noon because of all the ash in the air. I find it difficult to believe that anyone from here would blame Hollywood for the fires. First off, the fires are nowhere near Hollywood or any of the studios. They are out in the suburbs, the places that are the same as Anytown, USA. Very few of the people who live there have anything to do with the entertainment industry. Although they do have more churches per capta in the 'burbs.

But the most notable thing about the burn areas is that they are national parks. There are very, very few people living in the majority of the area that is affected. It's birds, squirrels, possums, snakes, coyotes, skunks and the occasional puma that are being affected. If they haven't burned to death, they've lost their homes.

Kathy's God has really bad aim.

[bookitty]

People are sinners which sin itself is the evil. Please try to wrap your head around that.

As for California, I am a native Californian and for the first time in my life I am thinking about moving to another state. Perhaps God wants us to move out before he allows it to burn up for it's sins, I don't know but I know one thing, I do not want to be a part of the problem in California, I want to part of the solution if this is at all possible? And don't take me wrong, I do not wish harm on anyone, but God is going to deal with people and their sins and sometimes the end result is really BAD! He forgives our sins when we accept him, but he does not say sin is ever okay and we are allowed to keep doing it.

I'm fourth generation Californian. My people originally came from Minnesota. I've seen pictures. It's nice there, very pretty. Even though some of the people say "God Damn" they mean it in a good and christian way. There are many, many churches and pot-lucks every Sunday. Plus snow at Christmas! Just like the songs! You would love it, seriously. I'll help you pack.

[Safe-Keeper]

Matthew 13:13

Therefore I speak to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand


Jeremiah 5:21

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:


Isaiah 6:9-10

And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear you indeed, but understand not; and see indeed, but perceive not.

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.


Akhenaten

There is none so blind as she who will not see.
Muhsin Khan
: Verily, those who disbelieve, it is the same to them whether you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ) warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe. Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearings, (i.e. they are closed from accepting Allah's Guidance), and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be a great torment. [...] Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see.
--Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow) - سورة البقرة Lovely being, that Yahweh, to first render us blind for then to burn us for not seeing.

[Sun Countess]

We've had some pretty bad wildfires in British Columbia this summer, too. What message is your god trying to send us, KK? If he really wanted to send an unambiguous message, perhaps he could spell it out in flames (in olde english, of course, as it's his preferred tongue), maybe in an area that wasn't filled with bone-dry forests, where his purposeful fires could be mistaken for an act of nature....?

For this, I have no words.

So you see how even the birds praise God, what about you? I praise God because of who he is, our wonderful creator, redeemer, friend! You can know God this way too if you'll just believe in his Son!!
Birds aren't singing to praise god, kathy. They're trying to get laid or protecting their territory.

Except for all those birds whose territories have been destroyed by wildfires. They stopped singing.

[BobTheDonkey]

I'm from LA, currently enjoying a sunset that starts at noon because of all the ash in the air. I find it difficult to believe that anyone from here would blame Hollywood for the fires. First off, the fires are nowhere near Hollywood or any of the studios. They are out in the suburbs, the places that are the same as Anytown, USA. Very few of the people who live there have anything to do with the entertainment industry. Although they do have more churches per capta in the 'burbs.

But the most notable thing about the burn areas is that they are national parks. There are very, very few people living in the majority of the area that is affected. It's birds, squirrels, possums, snakes, coyotes, skunks and the occasional puma that are being affected. If they haven't burned to death, they've lost their homes.

Kathy's God has really bad aim.

Slightly off-topic....

Hope you and yours make it through the fires unscathed

(I know, a heathenistic thing to say about God's holy fires...but...eh, I'm an atheist. My heart belongs to me ;) )

[bookitty]

Slightly off-topic....

Hope you and yours make it through the fires unscathed

(I know, a heathenistic thing to say about God's holy fires...but...eh, I'm an atheist. My heart belongs to me ;) )

Thank you for you kind thoughts but fret not. For you see...

*dum, dum, daaaahhh*

...I live in Hollywood. Which is far less like Sodom than one would expect. But, as I am surrounded by slightly sinful people instead of critters, trees and hills, I should be just fine.

I worry more about the firefighters who are working 12 on/12 off shifts. When this is all over, I'm sending them cookies.

[Akhenaten]

Lovely being, that Yahweh, to first render us blind for then to burn us for not seeing.





Verily.

[bruto]

People are sinners which sin itself is the evil. Please try to wrap your head around that.

As for California, I am a native Californian and for the first time in my life I am thinking about moving to another state. Perhaps God wants us to move out before he allows it to burn up for it's sins, I don't know but I know one thing, I do not want to be a part of the problem in California, I want to part of the solution if this is at all possible? And don't take me wrong, I do not wish harm on anyone, but God is going to deal with people and their sins and sometimes the end result is really BAD! He forgives our sins when we accept him, but he does not say sin is ever okay and we are allowed to keep doing it.

If forest fires represent God's wrath then it's obvious that God likes homosexual marriage, because he has quite obviously blessed Vermont by making it too wet to burn. We get lots of rainbows too, just to remind us that he's cool with it all.

Does your kind of snarky pseudo-Christianity know no shame at all? Or, as the native Vermonters would say, Jeezum Crow!

[MikeSun5]

(What's the Crystal River?)

Crystal River (http://www.crystalriverflorida.com/downloads/manatee/) is great. You should check it out, Walrus. Right up your alley.

So I like how God is all-forgiving and loves all his creations on this planet, but he's going to send hell to this earth because of the wickedness. Only the people who adhere to this tiny sect of ultra-predjudiced Christianity get to fly to heaven with Jesus on the back of His heavenly white horse pterodactyl.

The message? Be intolerant and oblivious and you win.

[quarky]

I wonder which state Jesus hates the most?

California?
Louisiana?
Florida?
Massachusetts?

Is Wisconsin the least god-hated state?

[joobz]

Kurious_Kathy:
It was just announced that the Fire in California wasn't an "act of God" but of Arson. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/04/us/04brfs-FIREISCALLED_BRF.html

[Safe-Keeper]

Kurious_Kathy:
It was just announced that the Fire in California wasn't an "act of God" but of Arson. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/04/us/04brfs-FIREISCALLED_BRF.html
There's a difference;)?

[joobz]

There's a difference;)?
Considering that christians don't hold god accountable, then yes.;)

What I'm interested in finding out is:
Will Kathy admit that she was wrong about calling the fire a punishment from god or if she will use post hoc rationalization to claim that her original thought was still true.

Both options have implications, one being much less respectable than the other.

[Akhenaten]

Just call me Ezra as I certainly can relate to this prophets message in Ezra chapter 9 & 10.

And please don"t shoot the messenger as I am just trying to convey God's truth to a blind world. We all just need to repent of our wickedness for the kingdom of God is at hand!



I wonder if having his church burn down and his parishoners killed caused this wicked man to repent.

http://www.yvonneclaireadams.com/HostedStuff/Church.jpg


Your message disgusts me, kk.


Waenre

[dafydd]

Just call me Ezra as I certainly can relate to this prophets message in Ezra chapter 9 & 10.

And please don"t shoot the messenger as I am just trying to convey God's truth to a blind world. We all just need to repent of our wickedness for the kingdom of God is at hand!

You may be wicked Kathy,but I'm not.

[bruto]

Just call me Ezra as I certainly can relate to this prophets message in Ezra chapter 9 & 10.

And please don"t shoot the messenger as I am just trying to convey God's truth to a blind world. We all just need to repent of our wickedness for the kingdom of God is at hand!

Why can't God convey his own truth? If disasters of the sort under discussion are supposed to be messages from God, then God is not only wantonly cruel, but utterly incompetent at communication, if not simply insane. If the choice here is to accept or reject your interpretation, it is also a choice between believing that God is a fool, or believing that you are. Let's see if your prophetic prowess comes up with a guess which option I would choose.

[Olowkow]

I think it is time to move on from trying to convince people that fires and disasters of all sorts are just bad luck and physics, rather than all this god punishment shiteness and weird stuff. It is not going to help nor convince them, nor is it going to advance anyone's understanding of the real world. It will all sort itself out if we just speak the truth about the world, and ignore the ignorant.

This is my new optimism! :) As you were.:D

[MikeSun5]

You may be wicked Kathy,but I'm not.

No dafydd, it's totally cool. You're only wicked if you believe in Jesus because you have to be wicked to be saved. The Bible says so.

[Elizabeth I]

Kurious_Kathy:
It was just announced that the Fire in California wasn't an "act of God" but of Arson. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/04/us/04brfs-FIREISCALLED_BRF.html

Well, actually, it was arson either way. The only difference is the identity of the arsonist.

[Paulhoff]

P.S. Do you think God is sending a message to Hollywood with all these fires going on in Southern California
What a very very limited idea of a so-called god you have KK. Like I said before, you are a child of a lesser so-called god. You should at least throw away you childlish so-called god and upgrade to an adult one.

Paul

:) :) :)

[bokonon]

Why can't God convey his own truth? If disasters of the sort under discussion are supposed to be messages from God, then God is not only wantonly cruel, but utterly incompetent at communication, if not simply insane.
He might have taken the brown acid.

[dafydd]

No dafydd, it's totally cool. You're only wicked if you believe in Jesus because you have to be wicked to be saved. The Bible says so.

Ah,so I'm off the hook,because I believe that the Bible is load of horsedung.

[quarky]

Horse dung isn't wicked enough, because it can be used as fertilizer to grow food.

Can you thing of something more wicked please?

I find the bible to be concentrate of rat puss, taken from infected rats in the worst slums on Earth.

[tsig]

Kurious_Kathy:
It was just announced that the Fire in California wasn't an "act of God" but of Arson. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/04/us/04brfs-FIREISCALLED_BRF.html

The arsonists were inspired. It was their purpose in life to burn things.

[Ausmerican]

Reading KK's latest few posts reminded me that Christians have always had a special purpose in life.Anyone know how much hungry lions cost and where to get some?

[RandFan]

"Perhaps because it smacks of blaming the victim"?

I guess I see why it may have looked that way, being as I used a topical news story as a reference point. I see that it was an inaccurate analolgy, as that girl that was kidnapped was not a religious nut-job seeking death by Jesus.

I should have said something more along the lines of "If I was Charlie Manson, looking for some easy targets to do my bidding, I'd work that web-site."

Jeez, RandFan, you're a ball-buster, but I appreciate it, and yield your point.
I wouldn't want to give the impression that I'm a heartless, insensitive bastard. My poorly worded point was that these rapture-ready folks are potentially dangerous due to their urge for death and lack of critical thinking.

I can't think of a likelier group to be exploited as suicide bombers in the U.S., for instance.Thanks but you missed my point. If any of the women you speak of became victims then you would be blaming them.

That's all. Otherwise cool. I'm not saying that you don't have a point, I think you do and I better understand it.

[Bob from NJ]

OK, so WHY would a Christian have a purpose in life but not an Atheist? It's the "immortality" thing; If it ain't permanent, it's worthless and meaningless.

Ummm, tell that to the soulless little dog who dies and goes to dust, that every kindness and affection shown him is empty- I'll bet he finds plenty of purpose and value in his master's existence!!!!

Christians think a limited lifespan makes that life meaningless, that only "eternal" things matter. I respond with this quote from "Battle Angel Alita; Last Order" vol 10
".... you'd never understand the hopes of an insect with a life cycle of a single day."

[quarky]

When a wasp dies from stinging a human, it reincarnates as a vertebrate.

[Stacy Head]

This is why I am happy to say "I am an atheist"

[bruto]

I notice that Kurious Kathy has not been very responsive lately. I hope she has not...you know...left us behind!

[Jonnyclueless]

I notice that Kurious Kathy has not been very responsive lately. I hope she has not...you know...left us behind!

Think she went into the light?

I kinda picture Steve Martin exclaiming "I found out what my special purpose is!"

[Yahzi]

Hmmm some pretty heavy stuff there. Fortunately not all Christians have given up on this world, or pray daily for the Rapture to begin
I pray for the rapture. I pray every day, "God, come and get your people, because they're driving me crazy!"