Religion and Ethics BBS

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there is so much happening, all at once

Posted by scott on March 17, 2025, 7:33 am

Political storms

International storms

Financial storms

Cultural storms

All massive, all orchestrated, life altering, heart rendering...

If any one of these hasn't led one to pray. I don't know what will.

Spiritual storms we can't see nor even fathom.... are underneath them all .. God is busy... and we need to keep praying.

From a historical perspective, very LITTLE is happening.

Posted by DFM on March 21, 2025, 9:21 am, in reply to "there is so much happening, all at once"

If you want an era with MUCH happening, try

WW1
WW2
WW3 [Cold War]

Since the end of WW3 and the fall of the USSR, things have been rather dull from a relative perspective.

Amen!!!

Posted by Deanna on March 20, 2025, 7:33 am, in reply to "there is so much happening, all at once"

Democrats with hatred in their hearts are now threatening their own in displaying the names of all that own Tesla's and advising others to attack them for owning a Tesla....besides burning down dealerships and Tesla's......A very sad time in USA history for sure!!

The Quickening. The current world disorder is coming to its much deserved

Posted by GOG on March 18, 2025, 10:02 am, in reply to "there is so much happening, all at once"

end. Gird your loins.

prayers GOG

Posted by scott on March 18, 2025, 11:56 am, in reply to "The Quickening. The current world disorder is coming to its much deserved "

Prophecy is known in advance. Prayer, as valuable as it can be, in this end-time situation

Posted by GOG on March 19, 2025, 1:09 pm, in reply to "prayers GOG"

it’s useless. The die is cast in stone. We are living the Book of Revelation. Good luck. God speed. Bon voyage.

Just the wind before the storm driving it onshore.

Posted by GOG on March 17, 2025, 9:48 am, in reply to "there is so much happening, all at once"

it's so much more than Santa Ana winds GOG...it's everywhere...

Posted by scott on March 17, 2025, 10:01 am, in reply to "Just the wind before the storm driving it onshore."

God have mercy

Praying....

Posted by Skye on March 17, 2025, 9:38 am, in reply to "there is so much happening, all at once"

won't fix any of it. But if you must pray, you should pray for the rule of law to hold up... else those who are 'flooding the zone with sh!t' will tear it all down, rob us blind, and leave us friendless and hapless on the world stage... all while using the 'culture wars' as a screen for their crimes.

and listening...

Posted by scott on March 17, 2025, 9:59 am, in reply to "Praying...."

There is no "one simple monster" out there creating all this havoc and dismay...

Praying, for me, is exactly where I start Skye... our world has never seen such an embarrassment of targeted hurting, misfortunate goals, and planned obsolescence since ever I can recall all my days on it. In the very things I stated.

There has always been changes, options, disagreements, comprimise....there just isn't anymore... and it's hard to fathom just where we're heading right now. Uncharted waters imho.

And to me, nowhere else to turn but God.

The way I see it…

Posted by Skye on March 17, 2025, 11:48 am, in reply to "and listening..."

Praying is like wishing or hoping for something. There’s no real substance behind it unless you are willing to do something to make whatever you are wishing for to happen. And a lot people did do something when they voted… but as they say, you should be careful what you wish for.

I just wish people would not worry so much about trying to control what other people are doing in their private lives or in their bedrooms… or that someone they don’t like is going to get something they don’t deserve. Government should serve the people… ALL the people, for the general health, safety and welfare of the country. No one should be above the laws put in place to ensure those things. With liberty and justice for all…

I think the American people have been sold a lot of hate and lies. To wish ill upon others will only come back upon us, IMO… tenfold.

I also believe that those elected to govern should be held to a higher standard, not lower.

actionable ideas are essential

Posted by trish on March 17, 2025, 2:21 pm, in reply to "The way I see it…"

we can talk or pray until all words are exhausted unless we act.. that's a lot of wasted energy

true...

Posted by scott on March 17, 2025, 5:02 pm, in reply to "actionable ideas are essential"

but so is receiving, getting, and giving the right help/response to events/situations... if you just act willy nilly...say an eye for an eye... you've missed the mark.

But....

Posted by Skye on March 17, 2025, 8:32 pm, in reply to "true..."

Isn't that what the 'wisdom' of your 'holy bible' says... "eye for an eye..."?

There are many differing opinions about what is the 'right' thing to do or not do in any given situation. Many people may miss the mark, depending on whose or what mark is held up... but they often justify their actions and responses, even with words or instructions from so-called "holy" books.

Our founding fathers understood that religion and government needed to be kept separate, as many religious followers hold 'absolutist' beliefs that do not leave room for compromise, freedom, disagreement or differences in opinions even within their own churches, scriptures and interpretations... much less with secular laws and statutes.

Slightly off subject, I think "an eye for an eye" can just as well

Posted by Mugwump on March 18, 2025, 1:05 pm, in reply to "But...."

advocate the avoidance of disproportionate
response or punishment

I know what you mean.

Posted by Skye on March 18, 2025, 7:30 pm, in reply to "Slightly off subject, I think "an eye for an eye" can just as well "

A hundred eyes/lives for one is hardly proportionate. More like genocide.

Before Jesus, yes... it's the Old testament law ...

Posted by scott on March 17, 2025, 9:58 pm, in reply to "But...."

What questions do you have about Jesus' fulfillment of the law? Have you ever asked that question?

Or do you know the answer and yet don't realize that Jesus was never a political man?

Oh yes....

Posted by Skye on March 18, 2025, 7:33 am, in reply to "Before Jesus, yes... it's the Old testament law ..."

I do gather that Jesus was not a political man. His message was about love, forgiveness and doing the right thing. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, he said. All the more reason for Christians not to get entangled in politics. And yet....

so, only heathens and atheists should be in political office?

Posted by scott on March 18, 2025, 8:15 am, in reply to "Oh yes...."

This ties into questions of morality, values, and representation.
One needs a moral framework that guides decision-making in government, it brings those moral perspectives into policymaking. How else can you address ethical dilemmas or serve as a compass for laws? Especially ones that seek fairness, justice, and compassion?

I don't disagree our government is meant to represent diverse populations. However, religion is an integral part of many people's identities, having religious individuals in leadership ensures that these perspectives are not excluded from the conversation. It actually leads to inclusivity and building trust among constituents who share similar values.

You argue that it’s equally important to maintain a balance between personal beliefs and the need for secular governance. To ensures that policies remain inclusive and respectful of all citizens, regardless of their faith or lack thereof.

In short..it's called a conversation. And that's what we're having here.

You can say the framer's intended otherwise.. yet most identified as Christians of different denominations.

They came from various denominations, including Anglicanism, Presbyterianism, and Congregationalism. It's worth noting that some framers, like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, were influenced by Deism, which emphasizes reason and morality over traditional religious dogma. But even they believed in a God.

We're well off the track here Skye. My
only intention was to say I've never seen such times as we are experiencing now...

And I do mean "we".. that's an inclusive word.

Wow

Posted by Skye on March 18, 2025, 9:34 am, in reply to "so, only heathens and atheists should be in political office? "

That is not what I said or meant. I meant that Christians, as well as other religions or ideologies, should avoid inserting their personal or religious doctrines and beliefs into politics. Politics in this country should be about common sense laws and guidelines for the entire population, through consensus, to serve a diverse and free country with people of many different personal beliefs and customs. Jesus himself seemed supportive of that idea, as he was about personal spirituality (if you will) and not about politics. However, many Christians in this country have long wanted to claim that this is or should be a "Christian" nation. That simply isn't true, and never has been as per those who founded the country and wrote the Constitution and its amendments.

Right...

Posted by scott on March 18, 2025, 10:15 am, in reply to "Wow"

That's what I said... you're stuck on politics and disregard religion influence... Your issue.not mine

Really?

Posted by Skye on March 18, 2025, 10:45 am, in reply to "Right..."

Your opening post was obviously about politics, and your first listed concern was "political storms"...

Your issue, not mine???

You're the one dismissing my action

Posted by scott on March 18, 2025, 11:13 am, in reply to "Really?"

And call to pray...

So yeah, really.

Thoughts and prayers are not a call to action.

Posted by T&P on March 18, 2025, 7:45 pm, in reply to "You're the one dismissing my action"

They are an empty gesture to assuage your guilt for voting for the chaos you now decry. Leopard eating your face?

Too often they come from those you know really don't give a damn.

Posted by Mugwump on March 19, 2025, 6:33 am, in reply to "Thoughts and prayers are not a call to action."

They are meaningless gestures offered up in lieu of action.

and your actions have been?

Posted by scott on March 19, 2025, 7:54 am, in reply to "Too often they come from those you know really don't give a damn."

Still praying for your repentance and salvation too. When you finally get exhausted looking into the darkness, all you'll need to do is seek the light. I'm convinced you've seen enough real evidence.. you just need to make a change in your convictions.

It's called, once again, repentance.

Re: and your actions have been?

Posted by Mugwump on March 19, 2025, 7:01 pm, in reply to "and your actions have been?"

You know what? Unless your super-annuated yet childish ego can't live without offering snide, hypocritical
prattle, don't bother answering my posts. Again, if your demented need is that overwhelming there's nothing to be done about it, but if you're fully adult, keeping your personal remarks to yourself should be easy enough.
I've come to the conclusion that you're a sack of S***, minus the sack.

totally ot from what was conveyed here

Posted by Trish on March 19, 2025, 2:29 pm, in reply to "and your actions have been?"

sending "thoughts and prayers" may make you feel good but they do nothing to fix things in the immediate or foreseable future (especially in disaster scenarios). I would rather someone pick up a hammer and help rebuild the house than pray for me.

You mean inaction.

Posted by Skye on March 18, 2025, 7:26 pm, in reply to "You're the one dismissing my action"

Yeah, your prayers don't count for much, IMO.

It's kinda like after a bunch of kids are murdered in school shootings by psychos using AR-15s that are readily accessible to anyone, and no one wants to do anything about it except for offering "thoughts and prayers." Nothing but inaction.

if the greatest man that ever lived prayed before doing anything..

Posted by scott on March 19, 2025, 7:46 am, in reply to "You mean inaction."

that's great enough of an example for me.. and Jesus changed the world, even through to today... and you
contrive my praying for our countries issues is really "what have you done to make a difference?"

Do you not know there is evil in this world?

Are psychos obtaining the mentality from me, or the world to do those things? I follow faith, hope, and love.

Your keyboard commando style against Christianity or any religion, serves only one purpose, yours. There are literally hundreds of millions who profess one religion or another who pray.
Undoubtedly, they know someone you don't.

Tell me you would throw yourself between the psycho and their intended victim to take the bullet to save the victim. Would you? Because that is one hundred percent the only way you'll stop just one bullet.

But I'll simplify it more for you... tell me you don't have needs in this world, that are beyond your capability to address them but want..or perhaps even need to have... and you would refuse prayers, help, material creations to acheive them?

Religious organizations have historically been some of the most significant contributors to charitable work around the world. They operate goodwill clothings, food banks, shelters, hospitals, schools, and disaster relief programs.

Their missions are rooted in values of compassion, generosity, and service to humanity. And they still pray. Most of my adult life I've been apart of one or another. Have you?

Normalexamples you mayhave heardavour - The Salvation Army* provides food, clothing, and housing assistance globally.

Catholic Charities who operate numerous programs in healthcare, education, and disaster response.

Islamic Relief organizations offers humanitarian aid and development support in regions affected by poverty or conflict.

Jewish Federations contribute to a variety of social services, including community aid and family support.

These are often able to mobilize significant resources, including volunteers and donations.

And they have foundational members praying and supporting them.

Your do nothing but point fingers example does nothing at all...other than show your own lack.

But, I'l pray for you. I pray you receive a revelation of God's love, His Son Jesus' sacrifice for your sin, to be made known and real to you, and your scales fall from your eyes to an offer to save you from this world's influences, infectious unbelief, and anger at somethiing you just won't see. Open Skye's eyes Lord,it's time to see your reality. In Jesus' name. Amen.

That 's called action my friend.. and your reaction to this only proves it works.

So the next time we have a natural disaster....

Posted by Skye on March 19, 2025, 9:16 am, in reply to "if the greatest man that ever lived prayed before doing anything.."

like a flood, hurricane, tornado, wild fires.... let's see how far your private charities will take you. Insurance companies, churches, neighbors... are not enough when it comes down to brass tacks. Insurance companies are in business to make money, not lose it. Neighbors, churches and charities may help... but they cannot clean up and rebuild everything a natural disaster destroys. Your 'hero' that you voted for says we should do away with FEMA. Let the states handle their own emergencies and disasters, he says. He wants to cut aid and good will toward neighbors and citizens, foreign and domestic, while increasing spending on the military. Have you not wondered why?

you're still talking about the current administration..that you have hated all along..I get it..

Posted by scott on March 19, 2025, 9:55 am, in reply to "So the next time we have a natural disaster...."

fueled by your despair and lack of control over recent events has you unhinged with blame over everyone but yourself.

Government, to you, appears should be what you want to have happen... even on your lack of ability to help those oversized needs you've posting about.

Even needs here appear to be ignored, and I do make an effort to address them as I'm able. The soap box you're standing on carries no clout, because your own inaction is duly noted.

Complaining about issues you can't fathom or control? Meanwhile, there are people here who have told of their needs...did you address those?

You want evidence of a prayer life's actions?....ask Trish.

Disasters indeed.. are sitting inches behind a monitor, just like you are now, if someone is worthy and deserving of all the help she can get... put your money and caring actions where your mouth is.

Politics are horrible excuse for blame.

Big action is in the little things we can actually do... not the lathered up nonsense you have over an elected administration. Those come and go... I am pretty sure someone who has been here as long as you deserves your "prayers" too... feel free to call them measures or undertaking.. because that's how thing s actually work... it's called caring.

Still praying for you.. because it's an action I can take.

Why don't you ask Trish....

Posted by Skye on March 19, 2025, 10:10 am, in reply to "you're still talking about the current administration..that you have hated all along..I get it.."

who or what helped her more in her time of need... your prayers, or my actions.

no prayers were involved here

Posted by Trish on March 19, 2025, 2:39 pm, in reply to "Why don't you ask Trish...."

While I can appreciate the thought behind prayers, it was not prayer that saved my life recently. Sorry to disappoint

It was sheer stubborn will according to my three surgions (and of course their deft experience). All three were lovely men, and all three commited to my recovery along with some hard-ass nurses

If you say so....

Posted by scott on March 19, 2025, 2:41 pm, in reply to "no prayers were involved here"

If? Yes, Scott, good things can happen without prayer

Posted by Trish on March 20, 2025, 7:42 am, in reply to "If you say so...."

sure... follow that carrot....

Posted by scott on March 21, 2025, 7:27 am, in reply to "If? Yes, Scott, good things can happen without prayer"

and keep pulling that heavy wagon for your masters...

But prayer releases bondages and makes the yoke.. lighter.

Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus says:

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Here, the "yoke" is used metaphorically. A yoke is a wooden beam used to pair animals like oxen for plowing, symbolizing work or burden. Jesus invites people to follow Him, offering a "yoke" that is light and restful compared to the heavy burdens of life.

lol I know what a yoke is

Posted by Trish on March 21, 2025, 3:11 pm, in reply to "sure... follow that carrot...."

I have a custom fit bedazzled (joking)

I don't have to...

Posted by scott on March 19, 2025, 10:56 am, in reply to "Why don't you ask Trish...."

I've done both... and if you have done the latter .. wonderful.

You are so full...

Posted by Skye on March 19, 2025, 12:29 pm, in reply to "I don't have to..."

of yourself... of judgement, preaching, hypocrisy and hatred for those not like you. Well, I can judge, too. And in my judgement, your action of voting for whom you did in the last election did a lot more harm than my action did to prevent the harm to many that has happened and is coming.

uh huh... your judgement is skewered by your politics...

Posted by scott on March 19, 2025, 12:57 pm, in reply to "You are so full..."

While mine is measured by my faith...

And I could list the many moral differences between the two.. each of us accepting our own as better than the others... however different and expedient to live by..

I choose Jesus Christ....not some political party you think I support because I am a Christian. and they are anathema to you. So be it. Follow your leaders to your end and I will follow mine, He's much more truthful, loving, and accepting than yours appear to make you be.

Still praying for you Skye... dumping God is a choice..and not really a beneficial one in the end. It's sad to me you know the difference...but lean into your master's goals for you.

So be it.

Posted by Skye on March 19, 2025, 2:05 pm, in reply to "uh huh... your judgement is skewered by your politics..."

I will leave you to your own judgements, as badly skewed and mistaken as they are. I really do feel sorry for you, but I can't help you. Good luck to you.

action is good.... inaction is still a decision...

Posted by scott on March 17, 2025, 12:56 pm, in reply to "The way I see it…"

prayer, to me, is an application of my very being - spirit, soul, body - willing to seek guidance, help, interceding - for our troubles that are outside or even within of our control.

I believe in God as being an entity capable of creation itself, who has decidedly favored our actuality and need for direction and gives consideration for such, in this life. Many guides are found already in the Bible, but too few assess their need for such.

Promise of Strength and Help: God promises to provide strength and support in times of trouble. For example, Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Promise of Guidance: God offers to guide and lead His people along the right path. Psalm 32:8 reflects this with, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."

Promise of Peace: God provides peace to those who trust in Him, even in difficult times. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Promise of Provision: God promises to meet the needs of His people. Philippians 4:19 reassures with, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Promise of Eternal Life: For those who believe, God promises eternal life. John 3:16 captures this beautifully: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

These promises have brought comfort and hope to me and many over centuries.

The need for prayer will never diminish, God surely can intervene, but there is that desire for relationship as a Father He has to a daughter and son, as demonstrated by Jesus, which is important.

In many religions, prayer serves as a profound and intentional way for humans to connect with God. God is fully aware of our needs, prayer is often seen as more than just a request line; it's an act of faith, trust, and relationship-building.

It gives us also the expression of free will, no two prayers from individuals seeking help are alike. Like snowflakes, we each have different needs at different times. Prayer allows people to consciously invite God into their lives and situations, respecting the free will He has given.

It's always a choice to open one's heart rather than an assumption that God will intervene without invitation.

Prayer is about cultivating a personal bond with God. Through prayer, believers' express gratitude, seek guidance, confess struggles, and align their hearts with His will. We have His word for many insights and right ways to live and act. But there's a gap in our ability to contain all that knowledge and make it available always. We are finite and limited in our containment of principles. It's fairly easy to see, based on our own experiences, what appears right or wrong. But there's not always the clear path to resolve them. We have limited ability.

We need growth, reflection, to look to gain clarity, peace, and understanding, especially if circumstances don’t change immediately.

Lastly, I believe there is the avenue of trust by giving oneself to prayer. It is a way of acknowledging my reliance on God and recognizing that He holds ultimate authority and wisdom.

The idea that God sees our needs but invites us to communicate through prayer reflects both His omniscience and His desire for a meaningful relationship with us.

Prayer is action to me.. one can and must still give to those they find needy, within their capability and means.

And I'm not sure this, nor any other government in recent times, has totally given themselves to that.

So, I pray and act accordingly, as my faith is stirred to measures to be taken.

It's easy to exploit other's weaknesses and lack, not so much to acknowledge our own.

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