Melo

I loathe and fear Carolyn Zezima.

Must be nice to walk through life and not pre-judge anyone. Can I borrow those rose colored glasses?

Hmmmmmmmmmmm I think that I would like this woman... seems to be balanced and capable of thinking for herself. She is spot on in that article!!!

incanada, I must say you are extremely presumptuous when you say I most likely have neither read nor studied the bible... I have read it many, many times... in fact there was a time many years ago when I believed in god... and it was the christian god I must add... but became increasingly disillusioned with what was going on... pressure to get baptised... pressure to destroy my precious music as I was told Jethro Tull was satanic music... pressure to start accepting the creationist theory over evolution... and when push came to shove - I knew just what had to be shoved... that which wanted to turn me into an obedient, unquestioning being... I will never give up my music or my ability to think for myself... so I shoved religion out the door... which is probably the best thing I ever did - coz I would have possibly been like you... narrow-minded and incapable of thinking for myself outside of that book.

I'm not sure what you're point is. I could have told you that God is sometimes jealous, wrathful, and vengeful. Does "perfect" = "blissfully happy and loving at all times"? God is Just. That doesn't mean he's never angry.

So....yeah, still scratching my head on what your point is.

You seem to have forgotten what transpired earlier:

Tell me why if he is so perfect does he allow such hatred to be fostered in his name??? Why does he call himself vengeful, jealous, a god of wrath??? If I had a vengeful, jealous and angry person anywhere near me I would run a zillion miles... so tell me what is perfect about jealousy and vengeance for a start?

God doesn't create hatred and jealousy - people do.

7/8 for me... got the question about the senate wrong

Tell me why if he is so perfect does he allow such hatred to be fostered in his name??? Why does he call himself vengeful, jealous, a god of wrath??? If I had a vengeful, jealous and angry person anywhere near me I would run a zillion miles... so tell me what is perfect about jealousy and vengeance for a start?

God doesn't create hatred and jealousy - people do.

Here's a better picture of the first trillionth of a second of the existence of the universe:

When the scientists were waiting for this picture, they joked amongst themselves about looking at the hand of God. I believe they weren't far from the truth.

More here.

Who put that little ball there in the first place? (the one the big bang came from) You can't create something from nothing. Well, GOD can. Humans can't. Try it sometime.

Here is an excerpt from a presentation I made on "THE DIVISIVE, INTOLERANT & REPRESSIVE NATURE OF RELIGION"

The Bible describes God as jealous in Exodus 20:5 where it says: “You shall not bow down to them nor serve them (other gods). For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me.” Similar verses are found in Deuteronomy 6:15 and Nahum1:2.

Vengeful is yet another word to describe the nature of God in the Bible and can be seen in both the New and Old Testaments. The following quotation is taken from the New Testament the Book of Hebrews 10:30 “For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’” Similar verses on the vengeful nature of God can be found in 1 Thessalonians 4:6, Nahum 1:2, and Romans 13:4.

God is also wrathful says Deuteronomy 29.20 “The Lord would not spare him; for then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy would burn against that man, and every curse that is written in this book would settle on him, and the Lord would blot out his name from under heaven.” Similar verses about God’s anger can be seen in Romans 1:18, Job 9:13, Judges 2:12.

If God can be equated with goodness and it is safe to assume that goodness seeks not to harm in any way then how is it possible for “goodness” to desire harm? Harm is a response that stems from fear and hatred. Further, God expresses His goodness by declaring His commands under threat of punishment and torture.

Well as far as the physical part of things go - I have always fancied skinny men with long hair... and my Gypsy fits that to perfection. However, had I known when I started hanging out with him that he believed in god or that he had voted for Bush - I would not be where I am today... thank goodness I did not know... coz my Gypsy is simply the best - I love him to bits

When I was 7 I was asked a question in school about Japan - my response was I know nothing as I have never been there... I stress that I was 7 years of age

when I was 7, we were given questionnaire to fill in at school, for information about ourselves. When It gotto the part that said "religion?" I stared at it for a long thoughtful time and wrote......" saggitarian"

my family still falls about laughing to this day

Another thing that happened when I was 7 - we were in Bombay on our very first visit to India and were standing in line to visit the Mahalaxmi Temple - well the pundit (priest) pulled a rich chap with offerings of silver in front and pushed a poor chap with offerings of a coconut away... asked my mum if this god is only meant for the rich... they have never forgotten... needless to say they could not answer the question

Awwwwwwwwwwwww Stina love I can fully empathise with you... just hang in there love ((((HUGS))))

If God designed me, why do I have nipples?

Next on the evolutionary scale...men get to feel the joy of breastfeeding...

ROFLMAO!!!

When you can prove to me 100% that the big bang happened and evolution followed, I will believe you. Until then, we're just doing a lot of arguing back and forth. All I see when I read about the two subjects is "THOUGHT to have happened" and "COULD have happened" and "MIGHT be what occurred." Not good enough for me. Sorry, God/Bible wins.

Define 100%. Can I prove to you 100% that *I* exist until we meet in person?

And if we never meet, you will never believe I exist?

Kind of like seeing (and accepting) that there's an Eiffel Tower in Paris if you've never been there. More to the point - how would you know, 100% that Paris itself exists if you've never been there?

It's a philosophical dilemna

When I was 7 I was asked a question in school about Japan - my response was I know nothing as I have never been there... I stress that I was 7 years of age

When you can prove to me 100% that the big bang happened and evolution followed, I will believe you. Until then, we're just doing a lot of arguing back and forth. All I see when I read about the two subjects is "THOUGHT to have happened" and "COULD have happened" and "MIGHT be what occurred." Not good enough for me. Sorry, God/Bible wins.

Define 100%. Can I prove to you 100% that *I* exist until we meet in person?

And if we never meet, you will never believe I exist?

Good point. That must mean the big bang happened.

God is not perfect.

I disagree.

Your arguments do little to further your cause. I disagree is not good enough...

Tell me why if he is so perfect does he allow such hatred to be fostered in his name??? Why does he call himself vengeful, jealous, a god of wrath??? If I had a vengeful, jealous and angry person anywhere near me I would run a zillion miles... so tell me what is perfect about jealousy and vengeance for a start?

Good luck to you and the penguin Lisz

When you can prove to me 100% that the big bang happened and evolution followed, I will believe you. Until then, we're just doing a lot of arguing back and forth. All I see when I read about the two subjects is "THOUGHT to have happened" and "COULD have happened" and "MIGHT be what occurred." Not good enough for me. Sorry, God/Bible wins.

Define 100%. Can I prove to you 100% that *I* exist until we meet in person?

And if we never meet, you will never believe I exist?

Spot on

Well, if it DOES get better, I hope it does SOON! I pray everyday that this ####### would stop, and it seems that it ONLY gets worse.

Mandi,

India has been dealing with this sh!t for decades now. It no big deal, fact of life, you deal with it. It's still a novelty out here in the West.

Ain't that the truth!!!

You've made the claim that Biblical creation is not consistent with observed facts, but you have no facts you can give as examples? How do you define Biblical Creation? I've stated already that I find nothing inconstant between the Big Bang and Genesis 1:1, so what else in the Biblical account do you find inconsistent with observed facts?

Evolution is the main sticking point for me - there is significant archaeological and scientific evidence that life adapts according to environmental factors. There is never 'proof' but there are mountains of evidence.

Laboratory fruit flies to develop in such a way that they can no longer breed with each other. There was this article the other day about a species of mussels physically adapting itself against the introduction of predatory crab species.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/...60811091251.htm

Certain species of whale still have atrophied limbs from the days when they crawled on land, not to mention that the human body contains a number of redundant parts (appendix, tail-bone etc).

well.. so why don't we chop the bible and just use the new testament.. since the old one is obsolete?

and again.. noone has answered that.. what if the big bang is true? would you still believe a scientifically false theory as creationism?

Good point!!!

I am not fond of fast food at all... so I find myself feeling somewhat queasy looking at that pic El Presidente!!!

Heheheeh!!! Ric... I can just picture the match you mention!!!

However, I do accept that the statement I made was over the top....

Am still waiting for the irrefutable evidence that someone was supposed to proffer.... and it seems that this oh so kind and compassionate person, in fact the very milk of human kindness will only respond if she likes the person... so many of us will wait till kingdom come for that response What a cop out!!!

I maintain my stance - which is god lovers across the board (the fundamentalist ones especially) are intolerant and full of hate.

Anita, no insult intended, but don't you think that is a bit over the top?

I would like to know where I have ever been hateful to you or anyone on VJ for that matter. In fact you recently thanked people who have been supportive nice to you on VJ and one mentioned is in fact a very strong Christian (Jamie from VipulandJamie).

I find it insulting that you would make such a broad generalization. I love God a very great deal, and I want to live the way I believe he has taught us to. And I will not accept certain beliefs to enter my heart, because I feel I can't accept what I feel is wrong. Same way you cannot accept things you do not believe in or feel is wrong. That is my intolerance inside, my own personal heart's intolerance. That does not extend into intolerance for fellow man. Can you show me anywhere I have been intolerant to other people. For the purpose of this point I want to pull out the dictionary again. From webster.com:

intolerant

Main Entry: in·tol·er·ant

Pronunciation: -r&nt

Function: adjective

1 : unable or unwilling to endure

2 a : unwilling to grant equal freedom of expression especially in religious matters b : unwilling to grant or share social, political, or professional rights : BIGOTED

So if you can show me where I have been bigoted, or have not allowed others to express themselves, please show me and I would take responsibilty and apologize. However, disagreeing is not intolerance. I do not have to accept something as true, to allow that person to believe it is true and to give them respect while disagreeing. What I do not like is the lack of respect given out towards me with such a broad statement, and in my opinion that seems intolerant. You cannot seem to tolerate that I believe in God and believe the bible. I never tried to force you to believe it.

Yes there are rude jerky Christians. But to say every person who loves God is intolerant and hateful is too much. That's like if I said everyone who does not believe in God is hateful and intolerant. How would that make you feel? And I do not believe that. I believe there are nice people who do not believe in God, although I disagree with their beliefs.

I do not want you to think of me as hateful and intolerant for my beliefs. I am sure there must have been religious ppl who hurt you or rubbed you the wrong way or something to make you so angry about people who say they are God lovers. I am sorry about that. I try to live my life in a way that people will not be able to say that about me. I don't always succeed, but I really try hard. Can you continue generalizing "god lovers" as hateful, even after you have received kindness from those who love God?

I accept that my statement was over the top. The statement I made was too broad and sweeping a generalisation and I apologise for that. Even my Gypsy is a god lover... and he certainly does not come into the category of hateful and intolerant.

I maintain my stance - which is god lovers across the board (the fundamentalist ones especially) are intolerant and full of hate.

Wow, ALL God lovers? I guess 90% of the world is intolerant and full of hate. Except you though, right? You're perfectly lovely, quite obviously.

Well I would like to know which of the events, people or places in the bible can be proven, and how, like you said you were going to prove to us.

Unfortunately sweetheart, I wasn't talking to you.

no, you were talking to me. and she said the same thing I was going to. so please, on with it.

I'm guessing you don't have anything specific in mind. Do you even KNOW of any events, people, or places in the Bible?

I don't claim to be a god lover... and am certainly far from perfect... but I have found more vitriol pouring forth from god lovers than from athiests or agnostics...

I would also like to know how you plan to prove events that the bible claims took place... and yes I have read the bible quite a number of times... so am very well well aware of such matters.

Please do tell me how you plan to prove that god made the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th... also would love to know how you can prove the theory of creationism.

I maintain my stance - which is god lovers across the board (the fundamentalist ones especially) are intolerant and full of hate.

Hmmmmmmmm here is what taking the Bible literally could mean...

Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality, who dispenses advice to people who call in to her Radio show. On her radio show recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination, according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, penned by a US resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as thought-provoking.

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination...End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness -Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is, my neighbours. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbours who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend).> He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan,

In case anyone would like to help... order music from my friend Adam who lives in Haifa. This is what he has to say:

My name is Adam Baruch and I live in Haifa, a town in the North of Israel.

As you all surely know, there is a war here and my town suffers daily bombings by the rockets sent from our northern border.

As a result of the bombings all the people living in the North of Israel have been unable to work for over a month now, spending most of the time in a bomb shelters. The economic situation in the North of Israel is really dramatic with all businesses closed.

I ask you all to reach out and help me out, if you can.

Of course I’m not asking you for handout or charity, there is no need of that. Since I own and operate an on-line music business, you can all help by simply ordering some music from my site. I'm able to deliver orders almost as usual (packing them at night when things are usually a bit quiet) and the Postal Service is working, so there should be no significant delay in posting the orders.

My on-line shop is really quite excellent, with great music, often unavailable elsewhere, and everybody should have no problems finding stuff they like.

In short – give support where your heart is - if it is there

Adam Baruch

Jazzis Web Shop

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/

P.S. You can read my Blog if you are interested in more “war” experiences.

http://www.jazzis.com/journal/

She may not be right for them but Josh is certainly not right either... she will go eventually... but you have to admit she does put on quite a show... and I guess for that reason alone she stays... I think Jill is gonna go before Zayra... but we shall see.

Hah!!! Just discovered Jill has gone too - did not get to see the last episode and did not realise that both Josh and Jill have gone... well doesn't surprise me... Josh was just not right for them... as for Jill... well I did not think much of her

I didn't find learning to drive on the wrong side of the road difficult Got a bit weirded out with being able to turn right on a red light, got over that one pretty quick. People drive real slow here, Ive given myself a full manicure whilst waiting for oncoming traffic to pass whilst I'm waiting to pull out !! Also the concept of a traffic jam is a bit different from London, well in north Idaho at least. The 1st time I came over hubbub was driving me somewhere , he says " dammit ...theres a traffic jam ". I'm looking right ..left ahead ..behind thinking ..where is it...where the hell are we going..and there it was..a four car gridlock !! I thought bloody hell...you are just going to lurve the m25

Kim

I had gone to a place in Western Australia called Geraldton... a traffic jam was about a four car gridlock too!!! But what really freaked me was "this beach is packed full of people" - and I could see maybe 5 at most on the beach...