Do you all think God randomly makes transgender (insert gay, lesbian if you want) people to "enlighten" us and to make us more sensitive to others by wanting us to treat them as equals even though they are very different(meaning social norms) from most of us? I mean if God is the creator of all things and by his original design he spawned life on earth, transgender folks must be part of that design right because God has a plan and never makes a mistake. Or am I missing something in my logic? note**** the only reason I thought of transgendered people is because I took a 1,000 question psychological test today and many questions were of a weird sexual variety.
Yes, and no. Some things are just so clear to me, its crazy. Made me think about a time I was intensely praying while driving. I was begging God to just talk to me and show me the way. I then said, "scratch that, if I hear your voice physically now, I will wreck the truck.".
We all have sinful nature. Perverted thoughts. I myself struggle to not think of lustful thoughts of women. It sure doesn't mean I should do what feels good, and go out on my wife, and tap anything that is willing. It means I have to resist the devil, and he will flee me. Same as gays who have perverted thoughts and lusts. I sure won't say my sin of looking three times at a ladies rack is anymore sinful than a man who looks at another man. Both are wrong.
I am the youngest of four. The younger of my two sisters is severely mentally handicapped. Basically she is a 33 year old, with the mind of a 6 month old. She wears diapers. She has seizures. She makes funny noises at inappropriate times. Drs don't know for sure if she was born with these handicaps or if she had some sort of reaction to her first immunizations. I cannot tell you weather God made her that way, or if it was the cause of this messed up broken sinful world. What I can tell you is that my sister (and her condition) have had an insurmountable effect on who I am today. God took her and her disability and used them to shape me into a better person. She cannot speak, but she has taught me more than anyone ever will. It's ok to question God. We learn by asking questions. But when He presses into your life... press back.
Oh... and does it really matter if you "hear" and physical voice, or if you are left with an impression that you can only attribute to God? Sorry, it's late, I must be getting tired and cranky :D
I believe in God. I was raised Catholic and my parents are very devoted. I've lost faith in Church. It had nothing to do with God. I am comdemned if I seek another Chruch since I was born Catholic. In the end... God will sort it out. It's all the faith I need. Tim
Well, have you seen too many things in life that are worth a darn that is easy? No matter if its trophy deer hunting, or family?
Its none of my business, but why do you feel condemned if you seek a different group of believers to fellowship with?
This is a little off post but did anyone see that scientist have found enough dna to bring a woolly mammoth to life next year.. and they are going to do it.... Jurassic park/god effect. hope they get a t-rex next they could let it go in congress.
Thanks for the great discussion, guys. I haven't had much time to post a response, but I've been reading. I suppose you could say my faith has had some ups and downs of late, but much of what was said here reinforces some ideas of mine. Only in a place like this could a discussion like this remain as civil as it did.
To leave the Catholic Church is to condemn yourself. That was what we were taught/brainwashed by the church when growing up. I really don't want to get into my personal reasons for losing faith in the church. It was a combination of a lot of personal things over the years with the church's message... family, best friend, having to choose, his suicide and guilt. He deserved better. If someone is going to condemn me... it will only be God. Tim
Yes I believe in Jesus Christ. But I don’t go to no church on Sunday. That’s the best time to ride the Harley and not have to worry about getting run over. Come 12:00 pm find some place to get off to road because for the next hour all the crazies are out to kill you.
WOuld it torque you, Bobby, if it did (get me into heaven)? What if it does? Why wouldn't it? I'm only taking God at his word. Do you think you're gonna go to a "higher" place in heaven than I......if I do the "minimum" and you go the full Monty? Please.
Some reason it annoys me when I see a person say this person or that person won't get into heaven. We had this preacher at a mens retreat say Elvis is burning in hell right now. I would be scared to death to make a call on who gets into heaven. Remember when Jesus Christ said some will be shocked to find out they didn't make it, and God will tell them, he never knew them. That passage haunts me. The bottom line is we were promised if we believed in Jesus Christ and beleived he was raised from the dead we would be saved. Romans 12 covers this. Now, here's the tricky part. Believing, means well, we believe. If we truely believe we would follow his commands, Matthew 28. We would strive to emulate Him, from His life, to His death. Matthew 16:25 (New King James Version) 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
