Posted by Aslan on April 03, 2001 at 02:08:20:
In Reply to: Re: Hey there! posted by Ezekiel 25:17 on March 31, 2001 at 08:58:52:
Ahhh, Ezek, perhaps the letter was not the best to submit. Keep in mind, all things are subjective.
*There is no demonstrative proof of Chrisitianity, there is no demonstrative proof there is life after death, there is no demonstrative proof of many things. So why is it more probable than not?*
To you it isn't. Why is that?
Do you have proof that it's not true? Demonstrative proof that will debunk an entire religion? Absolute proof that there is no God?
(sigh) Honestly Ezek, I guess it's more acceptable because it's the largest religion in the US (Protestant + Catholics=largest population of practicing faith). But you're right. Just because more people shout it, doesn't make it so.
However, on the flip side, it doesn't make it wrong either.
It's just that the ones who say 'there's no proof for your belief', never seem to be able to produce proof for their disbelief.
A Holy experience for me? I was 19, had completely turned my back on my religion (at least the one I had drilled into my head as 'believe or burn in Hell'. About the same as holding a gun to a child's head, IMO.
Anyway, I was sitting in my car in a friend's driveway. I asked God to make it real to me. I didn't ask on a whim, or just to say the words. I asked the question because I meant it. He did. He made it real to me. Now if you want me to describe that, well...sorry. I can't. What made a realization hit home and become reality, I don't think I can put into words you could understand. Any more that you could describe to me the emotion you felt when you discerned there was no Christian God, or Allah, or anything else that deserved your worship.
Now, I am not putting words in your mouth. I know you have said before that you don't discount the idea, you just don't understand the blind fervor of many you've come across. As a matter of fact, I normally don't like discussing faith on-line. It's just that the intelligence behind your posts made me curious. And the questions you ask lead me to believe that you have been to more than Sunday School:)
(Speaking of which, my translation is :'And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.' What inspired you to name yourself after this quote?)
Free Will- Yes, I most definately believe in it. I make my choices daily, and sometimes double back and make the exact opposite choice a minute later. Though I believe God knows the outcome of eternity, I think that we all can make different choices until we draw our last breath.
Fate- defined in what way? What may be fate to one might also be defined as God's will to another.
I suppose the same goes for Karma. The term 'You reap what you sow' has also been around for quite awhile.
I really enjoy discussing this with you Ezek. It's nice to see a dissenting point of view without flaming.