Posted on 12/09/2007 12:49:26 PM PST by aomagrat
Edited on 12/09/2007 12:59:09 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
[I waited 45 seconds and actually posted something substantial--Ed.]
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — At least four people were shot outside of a Colorado Springs church on Sunday, but it was not immediately known whether the shootings were related to an earlier shooting about 70 miles away, authorities said.
To determine whether a thing is right/wrong; better/worse; useful/worthless; holy/evil . . .
it’s wise to know
1. WHAT’S THE RELEVENT GOAL?
2. WHAT’S THE CRITERIA, standard of measure that says the goal has been reached?
3. WHAT’S THE CONTEXT?
Yes, God's Word will not let us down.
It's people who distort the Word into something unrecognizable, something it was never intended to mean, who let us down.
And for the record, I am very wary of those who discover absolute, contractually enforceable guarantees within "nuances" of certain Bible verses, just as I am wary of people in black robes who discover "penumbras" in our Constitution.
It IS always wise in such contexts to keep in mind a couple of Biblical items . . .
1. Jesus noted that the man was not ill because of his sings NOR his parents’ sins but that THE GLORY OF GOD might be manifested. Was that a single case of such? I doubt it.
2. Critical flesh driven fleshly focused, haughty judgment is to be avoided. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. That does not mean we are to be clueless and unlearning from vivid examples placed before us.
I’m so sorry Kim... I wasn’t directing my comments towards anyone on this board. It was just a general statement that occurred to me after I had read through the posting that Quix made of MM’s internet writings.
Just to clarify a littIe on what I wrote, and how I view this...
I would definitely agree that sin can contribute to illness. Especially, for instance, in consideration of the fact that it has been medically proven that guilt and stress affects the body in a profound way.
I’m not suggesting that sin doesn’t play ANY part in the things we suffer — just that I have personally witnessed Christians (IIRC it was no-one here at FreeRepublic) that blame ALL illnesses on sin. Going as far as to say that if one just repents for their sins they will live a completely healthy life — when we know that is not necessarily so...
Illness is also a tool, I believe, that G-d uses to strengthen our character, but it’s not necessarily because we have done something wrong... In some cases our suffering serves to show things to others so that He can then increase the depth of their character as well. No-one can measure up to Christ, that’s for sure...
And when I hear people saying that people who wind up with cancer, for instance, must have done something REALLY REALLY bad, it just irks me... Because that, IMHO, is not truth...
Again, I’m sorry if you thought I was speaking about you Kim, or you Quix. That wasn’t my intention at all... It’s kind of like we’ve been talking about on this thread already in regards to parents overseeing the influences that are around their children... Some can take it too far, and what I mentioned I feel is another case of people taking things too far... :) I hope that clears things up a bit! {{{HUGS}}} to you both.
Thanks.
Much truth in your post.
{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} back at you and yours.
May try and comment when sinus pressure lets up some.
Wow! Lots of information, thoughts and feelings here. Looks like it is break time - anybody want some dark chocolate with extra almonds?
Hugs ((((((((((((((((Everyone))))))))))))) to all, and thanks to each of you for your informative, thought provoking input from the ‘lurker’ who didn’t feel smart enough to join in. (I did learn a lot, though.)
Chocolate’s always good...make mine hot...we got a Nor’easter a’comin in a matter of hours, looks like, and may well be snowed in come Monday a.m.
My fave is English Toffee - but, I’ll make yours hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream and marshmallows. I’ll even sprinkle coarse raw sugar on top. ;-)
Love marshamallows!! extra extra extra of those, please.
Darn...shoulda bought some today!
I didn’t think you were, but I wasn’t sure if I had said something that might have indicated that. My head has been pounding for 2 days, and it wouldn’t suprise me if I messed up a message in my post. ;-p Thanks for clarifying and explaining. You’ve helped me see some of this in a different light...especially with regard to utilizing illness (or even suffering) as a tool. It can strengthen character, we learn from our problems, and can help others as a result. Good can come out of bad..no doubt! :)
I’m sorry to hear that your sinuses are bothering you..me too! I’ve had 2 rounds of antibiotics and a steroid shot. Off to the ear nose and throat specialist now. Take care of yourself....
I’m not smart enough...but I like to talk. :) {{{{Huggggs}}}} back to you too!
MMMMmmmmarshmellows! It’s 22degrees here, with about 4 inches of snow. Stay safe, there’ve been problems with that storm in kansas and missouri. We missed the worst of it, but those to our north and west got it baaad.
Thanks, Kim! I lurk mostly, if I’m not as smart as the posters - which happens quite often! LOL!
You made some very good points, as did the other posters. It’s a very complex topic, and some interesting points were brought up by all.
PS: I’m going to read and think about your posts some more..and will try to reply when I can think straight. :)
Been snowing here now for about an hour and a half now...I didn’t realize it began about 9:30 ET....but, it did; it’s icy snow...sounds like people walking around outside or windy blowing...that’s from the ice coming down with the snow (is that called sleet?).
Don’t know what the temp is outside...but it’s too warm inside, that’s for sure.
Will stay safe; don’t have anywhere to go tonight or tomorrow....thank you.
You stay safe, as well. Hopefully another storm isn’t on the way after this one.
I like to lurk, and sometimes wish I had when I didn’t. :^p It’s been a very interesting discussion on this thread. You are so right, it’s not an easy topic, especially when people kindof sortof go off in 3 different directions...I love to learn, whether it be from asking questions or just reading. That’s one of the things I love about FR. We can do both or either. :)
It seems to me that you are arguing with a bunch of Pollyannas who want to scapegoat this poor kid. I am more inclined to say “by your fruits you shall know them,” and say that this church has experienced a judgment on its hypocrisy and its warped notions about human nature and the life of grace.
He went away for three weeks, and now his homosexuality is cured.
Thanks thanks.
Having a piece of my heart medicine now . . . dark with extra almonds.
Hope you have a warm, blessed weekend.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.