Posts by enlarged postate

57

Was the Biblical Canon Directed by God?

by Chris Tann in

this is a question a sincere christian may agonize over after learning that some books of the bible were rejected by certain early christian groups,while other books that did not make the canon were accepted.

also,when one realizes that so called inspired writers of the greek scriptures quote from apocrypha,that most christians reject today,one wonders if these writings that include these quotes should even be in the bible.. it is true that when it comes to the christian greek scriptures the canon has been closed for many centuries.

also, these books have been accepted by christians ever since the second,perhaps first,century.

enlarged postate

Your OP misses the mark in that you don't identify which Bible Canon that you believe to be the correct one. There are several in use by different Christian groups. That point in itself is good indication God did not direct the selection of books.

From a JW perspective, which claims to be book centric (because it's lineage is from the Protestant sola scriptura tradition, although the actual real world practice might not be), that argument might make sense. But from someone else that might come from a church centric perspective (the book comes from the faith/church, rather than the faith/church from the book), the line of reasoning doesn't persusade quite as much. The various Catholic and Orthodox churches fall under the latter grouping.

82

Awake January 2015: How did life begin? - More misquotes

by Designer Stubble in

[quote]some might assume that a scientifically-minded person would pick evolution and that a religious person would pick creation.

but not always.. rama singh, professor of biology at canadas mcmaster university, says: the opposition to evolution goes beyond religious fundamentalism and includes a great many people from educated sections of the population.[/quote].

end-of-quote in awake.

enlarged postate

SOME might assume that a scientifically-minded person would pick “evolution” and that a religious person would pick “creation.” But not always.

Rama Singh, professor of biology at Canada’s McMaster University, says: “The opposition to evolution goes beyond religious fundamentalism and includes a great many people from educated sections of the population.”

end-of-quote in Awake

Actual Rama quote however continues:

...who may not be logically opposed to evolution nevertheless do not accept it. This is because the process of and the evidence for evolution are invisible to a nonspecialist, or the theory may look too simple to explain complex traits to some, or because people compare evolution against God and find evolutionary explanations threatening to their beliefs. Considering how evolution affects our lives, including health and the environment to give just two examples, [u]a basic course in evolution should become a required component[/u] of all our college and university educational systems.

Then the article continues by naming a "Gerard", professor of Entomology. His last name is not mentioned anywhere, although he is referenced THREE times in this article. They may as well call him "Andre".

And what I mention here is just the tip of the iceberg. Anyone slightly educated in Evolution will blast this Awake to pieces. Google may be my friend, but certainly not that of the WTBTS.

Nothing new to see here. WTBTS has been misquoting, selectively quoting, out of context quoting, and outright misrepresenting statements by scientists on the subject of evolution as long as I've been alive. This is just more of the same. This was the one subject that first got me thinking something was not quite right with Watchtowerism. ...and when you can question one thing, it opens the door to begin questioning other things...and by the time you're done, well, you're done with THEM.

57

Was the Biblical Canon Directed by God?

by Chris Tann in

this is a question a sincere christian may agonize over after learning that some books of the bible were rejected by certain early christian groups,while other books that did not make the canon were accepted.

also,when one realizes that so called inspired writers of the greek scriptures quote from apocrypha,that most christians reject today,one wonders if these writings that include these quotes should even be in the bible.. it is true that when it comes to the christian greek scriptures the canon has been closed for many centuries.

also, these books have been accepted by christians ever since the second,perhaps first,century.

enlarged postate

This is a question a sincere Christian may agonize over after learning that some books of the Bible were rejected by certain early Christian groups,while other books that did not make the canon were accepted. Also,when one realizes that so called inspired writers of the Greek scriptures quote from apocrypha,that most Christians reject today,one wonders if these writings that include these quotes should even be in the Bible.

It is true that when it comes to the Christian Greek scriptures the canon has been closed for many centuries. Also, these books have been accepted by Christians ever since the second,perhaps first,century. But wait! Around 170c.e. 2 Peter was doubted as inspired in certain quarters, around 180 Hebrews was doubted, 190-Hebrews,1&2 John and Jude. 230c.e. -Hebrews,James, 2 Peter, 2&3 John and Jude. Also, according to the Muratorian Fragment of 170c.e., the church accepted an apocalypse of Peter,which never made it in the canon of today.

Yes, we as Christians can believe that God gradually directed certain writings to be weeded out,while others included. My objection is- why was there such confusion of which ones were inspired around the time of their writings? Why did God not make it explicitly clear which ones he "breathed on"? No where in the Bible does it say God would direct the formation of books for the Christians.

Now,for me, I feel that every Christian book is in harmony with God's will and standards,whether inspired or not. Thetefore I believe at the very least that he approves of these writings for us to live by; even if some may have written things that are not accurate. When it comes to inspired topics, the writer usually says he had a vision or revelation prior to his writing about it. Therefore at best,the vision was inspired,not the writing of it. This whole topic does concern me because when I read my Bible I want to be sure that at least it has God's approval;and that Iam not just studying a man's oppinion about God.

Because, basically, the Catholic Church is what decided what books were in, and what books were out. After a few centuries, a council was held to end the debate, and of all the books circulating, it was decided which books made the cut, and which didn't. And, in a nutshell, that was that.

28

Chinese Progress in their Move from a Government Financed Economy to a Private Economy

by fulltimestudent in

the chinese government is said to be about half way in the progress from a centralised command economy to a market driven, private enterprise economy.. .

link: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/business/china/private-capital-gets-more-bang-in-china-as-economic-reforms-step-up-20141023-11ah6z.html.

canberra times.

enlarged postate

Thank you. As an econ dude, I'm sure you've heard of Lewis turning points and their effects on growth. This is happening in China. Couple that with malinvestment (which you've covered) and an aging population, and it seems to me the question becomes whether the landing will be hard or soft, short or long, and when.

28

Chinese Progress in their Move from a Government Financed Economy to a Private Economy

by fulltimestudent in

the chinese government is said to be about half way in the progress from a centralised command economy to a market driven, private enterprise economy.. .

link: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/business/china/private-capital-gets-more-bang-in-china-as-economic-reforms-step-up-20141023-11ah6z.html.

canberra times.

enlarged postate

There are as many China econ narratives as there are economists, it seems.

13

Nervous / shy following judicial committee

by ekruks in

i wondered if anyone else has been rather shy since a judicial committee?.

i have been before more than one on false charges, and since have really struggled not to get incredibly nervous if i have any similar meeting with people, such as a review at work, a job interview, even a visit to the doctors.

i get so uncomfortable, i forget what i planned to say, want to leave, often vomit before such a meeting, forget how to speak up clearly, can't remember my phone number, etc.

enlarged postate

Sounds like social anxiety disorder, and I went through a spell of that during my own struggle with dealing with TTaTT.