old_rider wrote on 02/24/15 at 13:39:47:I did say they came from stories in the book, and were a good moral guide.
I did not implicate that they were verses as a "commandment"....
As a man created in "his" image anyone can interpret the book and use it as best as he/she can, because isn't ones mind also an image of the creator?
Most just don't see it that way..... they tend to go by the interpretations of those who deem themselves "teachers" or "shepherds".
One does not have to be "ordained" to teach the word.
Also, I have not read the book for more than 40 years now, because back then I got what I needed from it.
But I do have a computer and can use a search.... and people put stuff online and profess that "its the truth".
I just thought I would point out that folks with religious belief should not condemn others for their belief or "non" belief.
Because condemnation or judgement cannot be passed but by the one at the gate, or so the book says.
I loosely describe the texts and teachings as I remember.... but I think my point gets across..... and if someone tries to "pin point" a meaning, it just tells me their mind is already made up and their interpretation is different than mine..... so be it.... i'm not here to say I'm the one that is right....just express my opinion about it.
And that is one of the reasons I no longer believe, that among other things....people tend to try to bend their followers to their line of thinking.
I'm do not debate well, and sometimes I don't get my point out as well as I should, but it does not bother me how you see me..... its how I see me....
And as a caring person, it bothers me to see others profess their status above others... when in the end... as I see it.... you will be just dust in a box, just like me.
And the memories others have of you, is what you will become after that.
Well that and the fact that we have computers now and can put our visages and comments up on the internet.... which who knows, some one in 3034 might see this post... and start it anew!
Sorry, I disagree.
Does one not have to be a graduate of the School of Medicine to call himself a Doctor, M.D. ?
Does one not have to be a graduate of Law School to call himself a Lawyer or a Judge ?
Does one not have to be a graduate of Civil Engineering or Architecture to call himself capable of designing a new building ?
Would you really put yourself into the hands of a shady speakeasy pushing snake oil as a "one size fits all" medical remedy ?
Would you really put yourself into the hands of a shady speakeasy pushing soft words in a court of law ?
Would you really put yourself into the hands of a shady speakeasy pushing sweettalk to build the home you will live in ?
I think not.
So how can one simply dance up and down the aisle like John Belushi and holler "I see the Light!" and expect to "know the Word"?
There's a lot more to it than just the "feelgood factor".
That is why not only Catholics and Orthodox, but Anglicans, Methodists and Lutherans also have Seminary Schools/Colleges.
Else, you WILL one day come across someone who, perhaps in bona fide and perhaps not, will give you a comfortable speech that is imbued with "feelgood" but hopelessly wrong from a theological standpoint.
I quote from Matthew, Chapt. 5:
17 “
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven..."
Therefore, anybody who insists that Jesus came to give "the Good News" and that "the Old Testament is over" is terribly wrong.
Again, Matthew Chapter 7:
"6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."
"15 “
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves...
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ "
Sorry, OLDRIDER, I cannot agree with your words.
I do not thump and holler "Catholics are good and everybody else is bad" but I cannot accept the thought that someone with (perhaps) even fewer studies and less preparation than me may come and assume they can teach me about theology.
My personal opinion, of course.
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