Welcome!

[His Name Is John]

It seems to me, that new members rarely post a introduction thread anymore. As such I am making this thread as a way that new members can say hi, and get to know a couple of people on the forums.

So to all the new members:

First of all, hello!

Second, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?

[David Henson]

Welcome David! My story is almost the inverse of yours -- I was a devout Christian until I actually started studying and critically analyzing the claims of the Bible, and that, along with science and philosophy, led me down the path of doubt and skepticism.

Quick question: do you now believe in a literal god, or do you see the Christian god as more of a symbol (as many non-orthodox, liberal Christians do)?

Thanks for the welcome, Haven. Many of the unbelievers I have had discussions with online have a similar story. I think that spirituality is a deeply personal responsibility, and many will conclude, after careful examination, that they don't believe or approve of the Bible's message.

To answer your question I have a somewhat unique interpretation of what a god is, it seems, though my studies lead me to believe it is in line, not only with the Bible, and the common Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin and modern English definition.

I, like the writers of the Bible, am Henotheistic. To me a god is anyone or anything that is considered mighty or is venerated. The judges of Israel, both men and women, faithful and unfaithful, were called gods. Moses was appointed a God to Aaron and Pharaoh by Jehovah God himself. Jesus was a mighty god, but Jehovah is God almighty.

So, in effect, the title god can be applied to a literal person, angels, idols, leaders, even, as Paul said, ones own belly. A god can be literal or not, it doesn't really matter. For example, Zeus is a fable, Zeus doesn't exist, I don't believe in Zeus and I don't worship Zeus, but Zeus is a god.

Jehovah God, is a literal God, in that I believe he exists as a spirit being.

[Haven]

Thanks for the response, David.

I apologize if this is presumptuous, but what led you to leave atheism / skepticism (I assume you lacked belief in gods at one point) and believe that one or more "spirit beings" exist?

[David Henson]

Thanks for the response, David.

I apologize if this is presumptuous, but what led you to leave atheism / skepticism (I assume you lacked belief in gods at one point) and believe that one or more "spirit beings" exist?

Not presumptuous at all. First off, let me clarify exactly what I mean by atheist. I simply didn't believe in God. I didn't know much about the subject, didn't care much about the subject. I was born in 1966 in the Midwestern United States. The Bible Belt. The familial paternal side was atheist much the same as I turned out, my mother had been raised in various denominations of Christianity and had rejected them as hypocritical leaving her more agnostic and irreligious than atheist. None of us would have bought Atheist paraphernalia or cared to discuss the subject, we just didn't buy into the concept of God.

I left that line of thinking when I began to study the Bible in order to debunk Christianity. I don't think I ever left skepticism, I tend exercise skepticism much like the Beroeans were (Acts 17:10-14 / compare 1 John 4:1)

The result is that I am more irreligious than I was as an unbeliever because I've seen how organized religion has transmogrified the original teachings of all world religions that I'm aware of.

[truthBtold]

[Replying to post 1 by His Name Is John]

From the windy city... atheist 4 years.. studied all about religion.. no need for degrees as I found if people would just pick up a book and read something its not hard to learn a thing or two.. I would love a challenge.... please!!!

[crexyourfiction]

Hello TO Everyone.

My Name is reX. I am jUST a General, Average Person. I like to Study -The Bible..

I have Studied for 15 Years and Have Wondered WHY Religions and people are the way they are. Who Started them and Why ?

- What does the BIble Truly SAY _ WHEN we go to the ORIGINAL Hebrew and Greek Text. and Manuscripts.

After, a lot of Studying of the GREEK and HEBREW Scriptures and Seeing How they Differ from the TRANSLATIONS. I Found why there is much - In - Difference and INNER Denominational Separations and Disagreements.

I have A HUGE File - of Debates, Documents and Books. Covering many, many subjects and ALSO Many DEBATES that i have Had with many People.

I have Made a PERSONAL Website About the MOST Important ISSUE that i have found these Days.

I Love all People from all walks of Life. ALL RELIGIONS and Races. REMEMBER the Bible is filled with a Lot of Controversial Topics and Situations.

I dont skirt around the FACTS. ....,, I DONT Hide and Cover UP the ORIGINAL Hebrew and Greek Words and the Message of the BIBLE>

I am a Nice Person, and do not wish to Engage in a PERSONAL Conflict with Anyone. I jUST Want to stick to the FACTS and Point ERROR and UNTRUTH-- When it is EVIDENT.

Please Visit my GREATEST website NOW ! GO HERE NOW..... http://rexorator.nfshost.com

Thank You. Pls Feel Free to Disagree or Enquire. Look forward to hearing from You....

[larry3611]

Hi,

What to say?

Well, I was posting on a discussion board and find that I can no longer login there for some reason.

http://www.religionforums.org/Thread-I- ... -of-Christ

please especially see

http://www.religionforums.org/Thread-I- ... ist?page=2

Where my last post is.

I tried to login there multiple times but could not feel very spry about that.

If you want to know me, please read my posts on these URLs.

Perhaps someone could register that, login and explain my absence for me.

I have a limited formal education - quit school in the ninth grade due to family dysfunction and stressed circumstances.

I joined the Marines at age 17 and fought in Vietnam at age 19-20.

It took several years to then find my way to a good job - but just retired after a 40 year career as a chemical plant and power plant operator - finished as a watch engineer.

I am interested in Christian apologetics

[larry3611]

Sorry for the multiple posts but I had to do something.

I have two adult children both with 2 masters degrees each.

Wife is a nurse - she went back to college during our marriage and became an R.N..

I have had little college here and there but remain mostly self taught, I guess.

Digital libraries and the internet have sufficed and I have debated on other forums in the past.

Obviously I am a Christian interested in defending my faith - giving rational reasons for my belief and have had several webpages - now abandoned but they might still be on the internet.


godlovesboston.org prayforamerica.biz responsiblefaith.org

I guess this is more than people need to know.

Let me take the opportunity to thank the people that run this board for their hard work and concern.

larry

[McCulloch]

[Replying to post 154 by larry3611]

Welcome Larry

I look forward to you defending your argument that the resurrection of Christ was a real event that took place in real human history.

[Wolfbitn]

[Replying to post 1 by His Name Is John]

OOPS... 2nd post, but HI everyone.
My name is Eric, But I am known as Wolfbitn... or Wolf. I prefer Wolfbitn.

Its great to meet everyone here, regardless of who you are, and I look forward to good times here.

[goodwithoutgod]

Larry, welcome. I also look forward to you substantiating your beliefs with evidence, logic and reason.

Wolf, welcome. I look forward to meeting you throughout the threads.