Posts by Ronald Nelson2

Paul Anderson2 said:Arthur Grant8, what’s the deal with people born with intellectual disabilities, mental illnesses, autism, or Down syndrome?

What happens to their "free will" or their ability to accept God?

A friend of my mother has a son on the spectrum. Honestly, I have so much respect for him. Why? Because he’s sharper than 90% of the people I know or have ever crossed paths with. I truly believe that if God withholds one thing, He provides something else in its place—you just have to be perceptive enough to see it.

coppersailor28 said:Too much.

If God wiped out evil entirely, life would lose its purpose. Perfection is boring.

Then there’s no point in even discussing "life after death"—the whole concept of ultimate bliss in heaven versus absolute misery in hell becomes completely meaningless.

That’s why you have to fight Satan on your own.

And why on earth would someone want to strip the meaning out of their own existence? You’re claiming that without evil, life loses its purpose. That's a stretch.

Satan drives people to commit evil.

Satan wants life to have purpose. A meaningless existence is evil, isn't it? And that’s why a good God wouldn't want to destroy evil in the first place. Or is that how you see it?

God never sleeps. If you reach out, He’s there. We’re the ones who need to stay awake, not Him.

And why stay awake? Just in case God decides to throw something good our way right when we’ve finally managed to balance out all the evil—you know, the moment we actually figure out how to run our own lives.

So, you’re claiming twenty years? That's a stretch.

Look, maybe start by picking up a few books... just enough to get up to speed. And please, let those who actually have something intelligent to contribute do the talking.

Morgan Brown5 said:Is there actually any kind of balance in the world? And by "world," let's be clear, I mean human civilization... 🤷

Honestly, things are such a mess when it comes to how people think and act that it feels like there isn't even a "higher power" up there to balance things out. But then again, it’s been this way for a long time...

Evil only exists among people, and it comes from them. No one can force a person's will—except when we do it to ourselves. We're the masters of our own fate, and God doesn't really have anything to do with it, especially regarding evil. As for "Satan," he isn't some cosmic rival to the Creator. He's more like an old-fashioned way to explain the chaos of the human spirit. It's a taboo, mystical concept used as an easy answer for why bad things happen, mostly because human ego won't let us take responsibility for our own actions...

And why bother playing that game? If you frame it as a battle between God and Satan, they somehow end up working in harmony through their opposition. It's a lovely, naive myth: "The world is a beautiful, balanced place; we need evil to appreciate good." But we've come a long way since the Stone Age, and circumstances have changed—mostly for the worse. For many people, life just as it stands today doesn't make much sense at all...

The world itself is a wonderful place, but humanity has lost its way. We are responsible for all the misery we cause. It seems like atheists get that better than anyone, except for those who still look at human progress as something to be celebrated...

We have progressed, sure. But psychologically and spiritually? Have we advanced enough that we don't see some people drowning in gold while others are dying in the streets? Hmm. In that regard, we haven't moved an inch.
And who created this chaos? Man did. Negative information spreads through the world much faster than positive news, so you always end up with a doubled perception of the darkness.

wiredhound1 said:Looks like someone spent way too much time in a cult and let them brainwash them.😁

That’s a pretty low blow. I can only assume your intellect operates at that same level.
p.s. I'm 20 years old and I actually take care of myself.

Thomas Davis6 said:God, if He even exists, feels way too abstract to just pin down with a single word like "love." I mean, sure, when believers start talking about God, they always fall into that same predictable pattern—it’s always this long list of goodness, love, light, mercy, wisdom... you know the drill.
When people start trying to justify all the evil in themselves and the world around them, that’s when you see his dark mirror stepping onto the stage—the Unholy, Satan. Of course, you always get that whole "insight" where people claim God could wipe out Satan whenever He feels like it, but somehow He just chooses not to. They say He’s intentionally letting the Devil run wild just to test us. I guess that's how they make sense of it.
So, we're back to this logical loop again: If God is actually all-powerful and all-knowing, then He already knows exactly what’s going on in everyone's soul. I guess that makes Satan pretty much redundant if God doesn't even need a tempter to tell the difference between good and evil.
And even then, I guess believers just don't get it, and they definitely can't explain it.
Man, there’s just endless talk about Masons, the Illuminati, those reptilian overlords from some 4D Matrix, the Demiurge, and all those massive Big Pharma conspiracies. It’s a lot. I guess we really need to sit down and figure out what actually holds water and what's just straight-up paranoia or some sci-fi movie plot.
Honestly, I think people do evil to one another, not some entity called Satan. To me, Satan is just an archetype—kind of a projection of our own darkness. It seems like mystics throughout history have just used that concept to label a wicked spiritual force living in those lower astral planes, basically a way to explain how people get tempted and led astray.
Even if the Devil actually existed, I mean, are we really that full of ourselves? Like, are we all just massive egomaniacs thinking we’re important enough for him to even care about tempting us?
As for God and that whole idea of receiving knowledge "from above," it feels like some people are just totally bypassed by the Creator, no matter how hard they try. It makes it seem like you can only realize anything if the Almighty decides to grant you grace—and apparently, He’s pretty stingy with it. I guess maybe God is just sleeping on the job up in heaven, and then he finally wakes up right when some lost little sheep asks a question, gives a quick yawn, and tosses out a satisfying answer just to be done with it. And boom, suddenly that person is enlightened and happy.
I guess God just falls back asleep again, totally tuning out those thousands, maybe even millions of voices... It’s all upside down and backwards. Honestly, God, maybe a little less sleep next time?😁

If Satan or God didn't exist, there would be no balance in the world. It would be either absolute evil or absolute good. If God were to completely wipe out evil, life itself would lose its meaning. Everything would be perfect. That is why a person has to fight against Satan on their own.
Satan pushes a person to commit evil. God never sleeps. If you turn to Him, He is there. It is we who need to stay vigilant, not Him.

Benjamin Taylor6 said:Every superpower has its era. Back in the Middle Ages, there were several crusades fought in His name. As a direct consequence of one of those conflicts, you had looting and the occupation of San Diego. Those miserable crusaders didn't even have enough money for a plane ticket to the Middle East 😢😲😁



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_San_Diego
Christ was sleeping again, instead of appearing on the city walls to tell His soldiers to stop wasting their time on such foolishness.😢🙂🙂

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Jesus reveals himself to those who truly seek him with all their heart and soul. I have called upon his name from the depths of my being and received an answer. So, it is possible. I know, I know... you still don't get it, but it doesn't matter; one day, you will.🙂

Susan Green15 said:Look, my point was simply that it feels hypocritical and two-faced to claim:
"God "speaks" to us through: His works, everyday events, love, children, peace, and kindness..."
In other words, you're cherry-picking all the good things God does while intentionally ignoring the evil.

How do you justify listing only the positive attributes while conveniently omitting all the horrors?

Sure, love, children, peace, and kindness exist in this world, but so do hatred, malice, and war. Whether God directly orchestrates those atrocities—as described in the Bible—or allows them to happen through the hands of others, He still "speaks" to us through those dark acts as well.

Attempting to win an argument by suppressing essential facts just to make yourself look right isn't how a real discussion works.

What reality are you living in? God is love, and He only knows goodness. It is humans and Satan who are capable of doing evil.
Humans have the power to stop all the evil they produce, but they don't want to; instead, they intentionally spread it further and further and further. Wake up. Look into the Freemasons, the Illuminati, Big Pharma, the European Union—open your eyes.
How do you think pharmaceutical companies make their money? By inventing new diseases and selling shots against viruses.😲
That's just one example. Why doesn't God stop it?Because He wants us to become aware of the evil we commit so that we might finally put an end to it. That is how we truly become His children.
Do you even have eyes?

bluebison25 said:Look, I’m not your judge, but it’s pretty obvious your faith is lacking... and don't even get me started on your lack of knowledge.

I actually know quite a bit. I wouldn't be posting here if I didn't. You're quick to condemn me, but you don't truly know me—we only exist to each other in this digital space. You have no way of knowing the depth of my faith; only God knows that.

bluebison25 said:Why do you religious types even bother commenting on matters of science? Your entire existence is built on faith, which is really just a polite way of saying ignorance. You’ve allowed yourselves to swallow dozens of claims without ever bothering to fact-check them. Now, the second we try to put those claims to the test, you all start panicking. Why is that? What's the issue? I’ll say it again: you aren't actually living in faith; you're just pretending to be that devout to look good.

Who are you to judge the depth of my faith?
I'm not panicking at all, so I'm curious as to how you reached that conclusion. For my part, everything I know has been thoroughly vetted.

Susan Green15 said:And here is yet another example of hypocrisy and double standards—cherry-picking only the "good" things God does while pretending the darker side of existence doesn't exist. Why didn't you mention natural disasters, deaths caused by disease, or anything of that nature? I honestly get the impression that people on this forum who declare themselves believers aren't actually believers; they’re just, how should I put this, provocateurs. It seems to me that true believers tend to shrink away from these topics, closing their eyes and looking away just so they don't have to confront the contradictions and absurdities inherent in their own faith. I truly thought it would be possible to have a decent, logical debate with believers, but instead, they just throw out slogans and empty platitudes. It’s like listening to a politician. They always repeat the same talking points without offering anything concrete; it's all substance-free fluff. I suppose this way of thinking might have worked in the Middle Ages when there was only one book to serve as an information source, but today, given the sheer volume of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and technology available, something just doesn't add up.

We aren't seeing eye to eye. It really depends on how you interpret my words. Some people here are just plain rude, and since there are those who actually hold value, I simply respond in the way I see fit. If you're only here to provoke rather than actually discuss faith, why even bother being on a religious forum? Is life really that boring? Maybe find a different hobby. You try to grasp a concept, but then the moment I give you an answer, you resort to this kind of sarcasm that makes me sick. Having culture is an important part of being a person. Do you even know what that means?

analoghound4 said:My crusade against dogma and sheer ignorance has officially reached Master level. I owe you one for that.

If you truly believe you are hearing the voice of God—an assertion you maintain by claiming to have attained some divine enlightenment, blah, blah...—then I suggest it might be time to consult a psychiatrist. With all due respect, auditory hallucinations can be a serious matter. I have read extensively on the subject.🤣

And let me be clear: this isn't an ad hominem attack, nor am I attempting to strike at your character. It is simply absurd to me that in the 21st century, while we sit at the absolute pinnacle of technological advancement, our collective mental state remains stuck somewhere in the Dark Ages.

It’s clear you’ve reached the absolute pinnacle of intelligence. So, please, just step aside and let people with actual substance and sense have a turn to speak.
God "speaks" to us through: actions, everyday occurrences, love, children, peace, kindness... and so much more. It seems you simply don't have the cognitive capacity to grasp that. It's sad, really.

bluebison25 said:You dodged my questions again, so we’re right back at square one... but whatever, it doesn't matter...☕>

With you, it seems we’re always starting from scratch.☕☕

bluebison25 said:1. What knowledge are we even talking about?

2. I hear things, but what exactly am I supposed to be listening for?

3. I see things, but what exactly should my eyes be searching for?

4. I listen, but what specific message am I meant to catch?

5. I look, but where exactly am I supposed to be looking?

If you give me straight, honest answers to these questions, then maybe I’ll be able to "recognize" what you’re talking about... it’s really that simple.

It's whatever God says, because that is the only truth.

Susan Green15 said:OKIDOKI

So, from what I can gather, the conclusion is that God simply isn't handing us the knowledge required to save millions from various diseases just so we humans have something to occupy ourselves with—learning, evolving, and growing. In this view, such a God is actually quite benevolent and noble.

On the flip side, if a professional—say, a doctor—withholds knowledge that could prevent people from dying of preventable illnesses, then that individual is nothing short of a criminal.

And yet, a believer who holds both of these premises to be true simultaneously sees absolutely no contradiction in their logic, and they don't consider themselves hypocrites.

I try my absolute hardest to wrap my head around the mindset of believers, but I just cannot grasp that specific mental framework. It’s like trying to navigate through a thick fog of amorphous ideas that are poured out and tangled together in a way that defies all logic and reason. And honestly, you people never provide a concrete answer. You always dodge the point, start rambling about something completely irrelevant, and eventually, every response boils down to some parrot-like repetition: "God is good," "God is noble," "God is almighty," "It's all in the Bible," or "Just open your heart and everything will be explained."

I pose a straightforward question, and there is zero chance of receiving a rational response.
It is nothing but evasion and contradictions.

God has provided the knowledge; it just depends on who is capable of hearing, seeing, listening, and observing. One has to know how to recognize it. You clearly don't.
Here is a little something for you to ponder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKvXiBVK-K4
😂🤣

Maria Robinson2 said:That’s just how it is now, Anthony Perez9

I suppose it's time for some silence—giving space to those who actually have something intelligent to contribute, maybe.

You honestly won't believe this, but I find myself agreeing with you once again.👍
Unknown acts like an expert, but in reality, he hasn't a clue. He’s just aggressively pushing some personal theory that lacks even a shred of logic. He doesn't truly understand what he's talking about. Most likely, he picked up some half-baked idea somewhere and is simply parroting it because he lacks the conviction to think for himself.

Susan Green15 said:But I wonder if you’d feel the same way about this scenario.
Suppose you fall ill and head to see a doctor.
The physician examines you and says:
"Hmm, things aren't looking great. You have a rather severe condition, and I'm afraid if you don't start treatment immediately, you might only have six months left. But don't worry. I've brought along some medical books; perhaps you can try to learn everything within those six months. I won't spoil the fun by telling you exactly where the cure and treatment for your illness lie—I want you to experience the joy of finding the solution yourself. My only concern is whether you'll actually have enough time to study it all, given that medical school usually takes six years. If I could ask one favor: please try to meet me a little sooner so you can return the books before, heaven forbid, you pass away. I'll have my nurse bring a cart so you can load up on the volumes. Have a pleasant day."

You would undoubtedly thank the doctor, saying something like:
"Thank you for giving me this task; it makes me feel truly alive to strive toward discovering the true knowledge."

You certainly wouldn't be calling the police on him.

You believers are quite hypocritical.🙂

My dear friend, you're mistaken.🙂
Knowledge of God and medical science are acquired through entirely different means.
In medicine, you learn from a book. In religion, you also learn from a book, but you only absorb as much as you allow yourself to. You can cram medicine into your head if you absolutely have to. But faith? You can't memorize faith. Faith is felt in the soul and the heart. You cannot simply study faith by rote. You can feel it, love it, live it, preach it... there is no other way to exist with it. In short, faith is lived spiritually, while medicine is practiced physically.
I know you won't even "like" this, but what can I do?🙂

Maria Robinson2 said:Well, I guess I’m somewhat of that person too.🤷
Maybe the author is actually hinting at the idea that God should have just hardwired all our knowledge from birth... so we wouldn't ever have to learn anything... basically being omniscient from day one.😕 🤷
But if that were the case, what would we even do?... without the need to learn, grow, or fulfill our inner selves?
Isn't it better this way—actually feeling alive while trying to uncover true knowledge?
Others might disagree, I suppose, but this seems like the only logical way to look at it...
especially since it's widely understood that God's plan for humanity wasn't to create robots pre-loaded with some perfect motherboard... the intention was much grander than that.
At least this way, we can experience that sense of joy and satisfaction when we master something new—and that feeling is quite good... you know, that whole "getting better every single day" thing.😍

I'm with you on this.👍

Modern society seems to have developed this strange craving for instant gratification, where everyone expects everything handed to them on a silver platter without ever breaking a sweat.

Nancy Williams58 said:You're bringing up the Bible, and we're talking about the Old Testament written thousands of years ago. Of course, in a biblical sense, it’s totally normal and justified to kill an arctic fox to get its fur for human use.

You're totally missing the point here. What, you think someone living in the Arctic three thousand years ago had access to goats? Since when do goats live in the Arctic wilderness??? 🙂

My dear friend, don't pin this on me if you don't understand the point. I am talking about today. I'm talking about the modern world where humanity has actually progressed, not what was happening three thousand years ago.🙂

Nancy Williams58 said:Total nonsense. Killing an Arctic fox for its fur, if it's used to keep a person warm, is no different than slaughtering a pig for food. Besides, why don't you show me one single verse in the Bible that forbids killing an Arctic fox?

The fact that you immediately jumped to the conclusion that someone’s wearing fur just as a fashion statement is a whole different story.

To stay warm? Sorry, but aside from some high-fashion accessory, I haven't actually seen anyone relying on them for warmth. Arctic fox populations are already incredibly low. We have plenty of other animals killed for food whose meat, fur, and hides are more than enough to keep us warm without needing to skin an arctic fox. I was reading recently that even those sources aren't so scarce that they'd start making coats out of human skin. If I can track down that article, I'll post the link.
Is this normal, or is it just sick? Ask yourself...☕