1. On a British comedy T.V. program in 2004, Jonathan Ross stated that a Muslim extremist suicide bomber was expecting to be taken to heaven where he would be rewarded with 72 virgins. Instead he was given a 72 year old virgin.
Everlasting hell for radical Muslims?
Soccer dives to the piece from Platoon.
Samuel Barber - Adagio for Strings
2. John Calvin in my view held to a concept of free will similar to my own, and he has influenced my theology. He wrote in 1543 in The Bondage and Liberation of the Will.
If freedom is opposed to coercion, I both acknowledge and consistently maintain that choice is free and I hold anyone who thinks otherwise to be a heretic. If, I say, it were called free in this sense of not being coerced nor forcibly moved by an external impulse, but moving of its own accord, I have no objection. Calvin (1543)(1996: 68).
Salvation is not done by force or coercion, but through the use of soft determinism/compatibilism as human beings are chosen, regenerated and changed to a belief in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
3. Thoughts
Honk if you love peace and quiet.
Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
Always try to be modest, and be proud of it!
Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
Thoughts
4. From my MPhil, thoughts on Scripture
I realize the original Scriptural autographs are missing, and it is not my place here to discuss Greek manuscripts, but there is a consistency in manuscript evidence which can be found, and within the Scriptural message there is philosophical consistency.
MPhil
Eternal: To have no beginning and no ending.
Everlasting: To have a beginning and no ending.
Something which is eternal according to Simon Blackburn is not moving, and is beyond time, whereas something everlasting is running within time. Blackburn (1996: 126).
According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the same Greek word can be defined in English as either eternal or everlasting. The Greek word aíwvios (aionios) is explained as meaning perpetual, used of past time or past and future as well, eternal, for ever, and everlasting. Strong (1986: 8). Strong provides only one word for eternal or everlasting from the New Testament.
6. Twelve Pack
I am so muscular, that I have a twelve pack. (satire and theology)
7. My friend Bobby Buff announces that he has retired from body-building (i.e. ignoring his friends). He participated in two local natural competitions.
Natural, not naturist.
The body-building world mourns... (satire and theology)
Questions 6 and 7 from this post in comments
6. Twelve Pack
I am so muscular, that I have a twelve pack. (satire and theology)
7. My friend Bobby Buff announces that he has retired from body-building (i.e. ignoring his friends). He participated in two local natural competitions.
Natural, not naturist.
The body-building world mourns... (satire and theology)
Questions 6 and 7 from this post in comments
8. How to build a religious empire with the use of cultic manipulation and false doctrine.
9. The joy of Russian scammer virtual 'love' from Yana. We had not met, and did not meet. She would send me scripted letters.
'hi My love.I did not receive your letter. I very strongly worry. Whether all at you is good. You were not ill. I suffer for you. I ask you calm of me, write to me the letter. Now it so is necessary for me your letter. I strongly love you also I wait from you for the letter. Always yours Yana.'
She also sent me this...or rather sent Mark this:
'mark.Today on April, 1 day of jokes and laughter.Today I would like to congratulate you on this holiday.Tell and you mark this holiday at you in the country and as you do it to me it would be very interesting to know.I hope to hear more detailed story about it in the following letter.'
Sorry, Yana, I will never give you cash for your written rehash.
10. Sceptic James Randi is not a Christian, but it is still interesting how he debunks Popoff.
Although these healing ministries appear fraudulent, they still preach some type of gospel message. Philippians mentions in 1:17-19 that some preach Christ out of selfish ambition, and not from pure motives, but Paul rejoices that Christ is still being proclaimed.
Jesus and the Apostles did not attempt to perform phony healings for selected people, but from Scriptural evidence were empowered by God. I believe that God can empower someone to perform a healing, but so often I think certain people want to make supernatural things happen and for this reason I think scepticism is healthy in regard to healing and miracles.
BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
CALVIN, JOHN (1543)(1996) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I. Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.
STRONG, JAMES (1986) Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Pickering, Ontario, Welch Publishing Company.
1. On a British comedy T.V. program in 2004, Jonathan Ross stated that a Muslim extremist suicide bomber was expecting to be taken to heaven where he would be rewarded with 72 virgins. Instead he was given a 72 year old virgin.
ReplyDeleteEverlasting hell for radical Muslims?
Russ' comment on Facebook:
"Chucky joked while he was here that Jeff always finds a way to bring Islam into a comments...LOL. Hyperbole of course but funny."
My reply on Facebook:
"I do not!! ; )
OK, well, yeah, I guess I do. (LOL) But that's because I have been studying about it for almost a year now, and that has been a focus. In the past, I have focused on studying what Jehovah's Witnesses believe, or what Mormons believe, but now my focus is on Islam. I just love apologetics and evangelism, and studying cults and other religions (for the main purpose of trying to witness to members of those cults or other religions) is something I enjoy...but I only study one at a time, generally."
Related to this, check this out:
A PASTOR calls OBAMA CHURCH to find out Information- VERY INTERESTING READ
5. Eternal versus Everlasting
ReplyDeleteEternal: To have no beginning and no ending.
Everlasting: To have a beginning and no ending.
I remember when you addressed that a while back, and I am aware of the difference between the two, which may be because of your article (I don't remember for sure whether I knew the difference before that or not). However, even though I realize the distinction, I still tend to use the two interchangeably sometimes, at least partially because the NIV, NASB, Holman Christian Standard Bible, etc. render John 3:16 as "eternal" life.
You are good at apologetics.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeff.
Yes, often a distinction is not made between the two concepts.
ReplyDeleteGod has eternal life.
Those in Christ have everlasting life.
Thanks, Jeff.
Muslim extremist suicide bomber awakes in what he thinks is paradise. A guide greets him and takes him into a room crowded with other men. the Bomber looks about and says, "What is this? Where are my virgins." The guide says, "no one said they were women."
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Russ, I want you to know I was actually handed my Blog Postings in a silver casket by an Angel, who said this is the truth and all must follow it. (I'd show it to you, except I left the silver casket on a bus one day and no one has seen it since and I never thought to take a picture.) Nonetheless, you and Jeff better not try to tarnish my silver casket story.
Anyway Howard Camping says the world is ending on May 21, 2011 and I have a lot of packing to do yet.
Larry
Hilarious, Larry.
ReplyDelete'Muslim extremist suicide bomber awakes in what he thinks is paradise. A guide greets him and takes him into a room crowded with other men. the Bomber looks about and says, "What is this? Where are my virgins." The guide says, "no one said they were women."'
Yikes!
'By the way, Russ, I want you to know I was actually handed my Blog Postings in a silver casket by an Angel, who said this is the truth and all must follow it. (I'd show it to you, except I left the silver casket on a bus one day and no one has seen it since and I never thought to take a picture.) Nonetheless, you and Jeff better not try to tarnish my silver casket story.'
I believe you brother Larry...something is burning in my soul.
'Anyway Howard Camping says the world is ending on May 21, 2011 and I have a lot of packing to do yet.'
You should go camping.
Some laughs and here
ReplyDeleteLarry, you had me laughing hard. Good ones!
ReplyDeleteSince the world is going to end in a few months, that probably won't allow you enough time to sue me, so I'm probably going to go ahead and steal your jokes.
Some laughs and here
ReplyDeleteClick on the link and nothing happens. Ha ha, Chucky, you're so funny...
Oh, and Chucky:
Islam Islam Islam Islam Islam Islam Islam Islam Islam Islam Islam Islam
LOL
Everyone celebrate! It's Weasel Stomping Day!
ReplyDeleteMarshmallow Murder
ReplyDeleteLoL - looks like I messed up my html. Try here and here.
ReplyDeleteJeff is in a real Charles Manson mood...
ReplyDeleteI saw Avatar last night.
ReplyDeleteI will give it an 8/10.
Strengths: Technical excellence, special effects, imagery and colours.
Weaknesses: Not very innovative story, acting too typical, the movie struck me as familiar with its conspiracy motif.
I would prefer the Harry Potter movies, The Lord of Rings films, and even the Star Wars series to Avatar.
I also prefer the Lord of the Rings, but I liked Avatar better than HP or Star Wars. Maybe if Star Wars was done with the same 3D technology as Avatar I may have a different opinion.
ReplyDeleteNah...I really liked Avatar! :-)
Popoff...what a sleazeball! Those people who followed him deserve to be taken for all they have.
Sorry, I just have no patience for those who are so gullible and self-serving as to expect God to give them millions of dollars back for planting their "seed" money in such anti-Christ ministries.
Oh well, it's still going on today!
GGM
'I also prefer the Lord of the Rings, but I liked Avatar better than HP or Star Wars. Maybe if Star Wars was done with the same 3D technology as Avatar I may have a different opinion.
ReplyDeleteNah...I really liked Avatar! :-)'
No offence to my much loved American readers, but like Saint Chucklins of Ditch, I view Avatar as far too predictably 21st century American with story, acting and dialogue. I tend to prefer shows with more British Isles actors. For such an extravagant film I would have hoped (hypothetically more than realistically) for something more original writing wise.
But anyway, we both have our opinions and I respect yours. I am not claiming to be a movie kingpin.
Also:
I have tried to spend time on my blogs over the years dealing with these televised jokers and explaining to critics how true Biblical Christianity differs from these frauds.
God bless, GGM, a gentleman and scholar or perhaps skull hair?
Russ:)
OK, here's my two cents worth on the movies:
ReplyDeleteI saw "Avatar" and I enjoyed it. Mostly because of the CGI and the fact that it was a Science-Fiction type theme.
However, I did enjoy the "Harry Potter" films more than "Avatar"...but I'm enjoying the "Harry Potter" films less and less as they progress, because they are getting darker and darker. (I have not read the books.)
"Lord of the Rings" was good, though I didn't enjoy it as much as some apparently have. To me, it was approximately equivalent to "Avatar" in how much I liked it.
I thought the original "Star Wars" movies were fantastic (I watched the first one in the theater when it came out in 1977, as well as the others), but these later "Star Wars" movies were a big let-down for me. After so many years (almost 30 years from the first one to the last one... and 16 years from the last of the original trilogy to the first of the new prequel trilogy), I expected them to keep up with the technology, since the original movies were on the cutting-edge, but they did not. And they changed things completely, which I did not like (for example, what was meant by "the Force"...they changed it from something spiritual into something biological, which, I believe, is [though not intentionally] reflective of our society becoming less and less Christian).
They do have versions of "Star Wars" as animations, and also as 3D, though the 3D is not even closely equivalent to "Avatar."
I watched the animated "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)" and I enjoyed that.
"Planet Hulk" was enjoyable as well.
(Obviously, I like movies about superheroes, martial arts and Sci Fi. And the more action, the better. However, oddly enough, as I get older, I am actually starting to enjoy some of the 'chick flicks,' which I used to hate.)
I also saw "Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief." Though it will never win any Oscars, I liked the special effects and the fact that they had powers. Other than that, there was not much to it (some would probably call it a flop), but to me, it was just a "fun" movie.
I also saw "Hachiko: A Dog's Story," and I thought that was good. Especially since it is a true story.
Chucky,
ReplyDeleteOK, now the links work. I used to attend a Charismatic church, years ago, and we would have prayer meetings at the Pastor's house. The Pastor would habitually pass gas, quite audibly and quite frequently, while we were praying, and even while he was praying. I don't know why he wasn't embarrassed, but it was definitely distracting to me, and hardly a good example, especially for a Pastor, I thought. Also a bad example for his children, I thought, who were sitting right next to him.
'However, I did enjoy the "Harry Potter" films more than "Avatar"...'
ReplyDeleteCool.;)
'I don't know why he wasn't embarrassed, but it was definitely distracting to me, and hardly a good example, especially for a Pastor...'
That pastor is a disaster.
You should have said, 'Pastor put a cork in it.'
'However, I did enjoy the "Harry Potter" films more than "Avatar"...'
ReplyDeleteThough I can't tell my family that, because they think Harry Potter is wicked, evil, and satanic, and that Christians should stay away from those movies and books altogether.
You should have said, 'Pastor put a cork in it.'
LOL! Good one.
OK, I'm going over to Facebook now to try to witness to this Muslim guy...
Yes, that sounds far too narrow-minded and fundi for me.
ReplyDeleteI have found those types of positions intellectually difficult to hold consistently.
As in consistently filtering out information in all areas of life which is supposedly evil and non-Christian.
Cheers, Jeff.
Pleased that you have been able to see Avatar the movie. I liked it for the some of the same reasons too such as the special effects and the 3D stuff. This movie intrigued me because it was a first of its kind with cutting edge technology and it was definite eye candy, simple story but with lots of effects and stunning scenes for the eyes to embrace!
ReplyDelete-Groovy Movies Magazine-
GMM,
ReplyDeleteThat is a reasonable review.
GMM? That's just a little too close for my comfort!Good thing GMM liked the movie or GGM would've been ready to rumble! :-)
ReplyDeleteGGM
GGM you need someone to argue with other than THE JEFF and thekingpin68...
ReplyDeleteBut, yes GMM be careful of that turf you are standing on.
CNN Canada
ReplyDelete'Olympic official: "Fool's paradise" to think Canada can catch U.S. now.'
You know sometimes whatever country or countries people are from they just need to think. As if Canada was going to beat the US in medals...long shot. I shook my head in the past when I heard people on the tube stating Canada was going to win the games, which looking at the results of the past Winter and Summer games the other day, they have never done. The US has roughly 9x the population and often well-funded sports. The hockey is not done yet, Canada has typically not gone undefeated in best on best hockey tournaments that it has won, whether Olympics or Canada Cup/World Cup. BTW, the US did beat Canada in the 96 WC. Canada won it back in 04.
Russ,
ReplyDeleteAs we both know, it's the hockey tournament that is the crown of the Winter Olympics--not Figure Skating or Ice Dancing. I wish I could watch all the hockey games. The U.S./Canada game was tremendous. Miller stole that one for the U.S., but I still think it is a good match up (hopefully a "gold medal" match-up). I also want to see Canada vs. Russia. I also really enjoy the skiing and snowboarding events, but hockey is where it's at man! Now if we had bikini curling (ladies only, please), then I may have to rethink things! Of course, the ladies skiers and snowboarders are awfully cute--maybe they should be the ones in bikinis! :-)
BTW--are they playing hockey at the Canucks arena? Or are they using a larger "international" rink like they do for the World Cup. Is the Canucks arena larger than they typical NHL arena? I hate the small rinks in the NHL, they tend to make for slower hockey with more grabbing and clutching. But these Olympics seem much faster with more room to skate. If they are using the Canucks rink then maybe it's just the international rules that have sped up the game so much?
GGM
'As we both know, it's the hockey tournament that is the crown of the Winter Olympics--not Figure Skating or Ice Dancing.'
ReplyDeleteYes.
'Miller stole that one for the U.S.'
Yes, and Brodeur was rightfully in red as Santa Claus.
'Now if we had bikini curling (ladies only, please), then I may have to rethink things! Of course, the ladies skiers and snowboarders are awfully cute--maybe they should be the ones in bikinis! :-)'
Funny, I actually have a young bikini model emailing me (her initiative) on Facebook and she seems legit. I will email you on that.
No other comment from me concerning women and bikinis.
'BTW--are they playing hockey at the Canucks arena? Or are they using a larger "international" rink like they do for the World Cup.'
CTV/TSN/ROGERS stated that this is the first time Olympic hockey has been played with North American/NHL sized rinks. So, the Salt Lake rink was European/International size, and the Saddledome in Calgary was expandable for Olympic size in 1988.
'Is the Canucks arena larger than they typical NHL arena? '
No.
Their old rink also being used is NHL size.
I think the rules make the game faster and the talent level with the better teams is above that of NHL. However, I reason the top NHL teams are probably better because they play together more.
So for example, the Montreal Canadiens of 1977 would in my mind have a 50/50 or so chance in one game against Team Canada 76 or 87 (allowing for duplicates of a person, so a Guy Lafleur on Montreal and Team Canada 76).
I remember the Calgary Flames beat the USSR back in the 1980s.
The US could win the gold, as could Russia or Sweden. Canada still has a shot.
Thanks my friend.
CNN: The Facebook games that millions love (and hate)
ReplyDeleteQuote:
'Critics said some of the offers amounted to scams, leading players to download unwanted software or unwittingly sign up for memberships that appeared stealthily on their phone bills.'
You have some excellent information in this post as well as fun entertainment.
ReplyDeleteThe link to the Witnesses video was very good. It provided me with information I had not previously known.
Thanks
Lee
Thanks, Lee.
ReplyDeleteI replied to you on your blog.
Russ:)
There is about as much chance of Canada winning the Summer Olympics, as there is me ever working on another PhD (Biblical Studies or Comparative Religions). Wales, where is the word on my PhD pass (Theology and Philosophy of Religion)?
ReplyDeleteLaff A Lympics - Africa And San Francisco
ReplyDelete67 year old man beats up man on bus
ReplyDelete"Hey, here's Jeff again with another comment about Islam!"
ReplyDeleteWell, I've been trying to witness to this Muslim guy on Facebook for the past few days, and just so my current reputation of constantly changing the subject to Islam doesn't diminish, I thought I would post one of the (many) replies I made to him:
"The Qur’an asserts that the Torah (Tawrat/books of Moses), the Zabur (Psalms), the Sahaif (the books of the prophets) and the Injil (Gospel) are God’s books, His word, light and “Furqan” (criterion---standard on which a judgment or decision may be based).
The Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) is the book of God.
“Now that a messenger from GOD has come to them, and even though he proves and confirms their own scripture, some followers of the scripture (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) disregard GOD's scripture behind their backs, as if they never had any scripture.” (Sura 2:101)
“Have you noted those who were given part of the scripture, and how they are invited to uphold this scripture of GOD, and apply it to their own lives, then some of them turn away in aversion?” (Sura 3:23)
The Torah is light and guidance.
“We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in GOD's scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations are the disbelievers.” (Sura 5:44)
The Torah is a guidance and reminder for men of understanding.
“We did aforetime give Moses the (Book of) Guidance, and We gave the book in inheritance to the Children of Israel,- A Guide and a Message to men of Understanding.” (Sura 40:53-54)
The Torah is “the Criterion.”
“And remember We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion (Between right and wrong): There was a chance for you to be guided aright.” (Sura 2:53)
“We gave Moses and Aaron the Statute Book, a beacon, and a reminder for the righteous.” (Sura 21:48)
The Injil (Gospel) has clear proofs.
“We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!” (Sura 2:87)
The Gospel was bestowed on Jesus, has guidance and light and is confirming the Torah.
“Subsequent to them, we sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the previous scripture, the Torah. We gave him the Gospel, containing guidance and light, and confirming the previous scriptures, the Torah, and augmenting its guidance and light, and to enlighten the righteous.” (Sura 5:46)
The Qur’an emphasizes that the Gospel and the Torah are guidance for all mankind, clear testimonies for mankind, and a guidance and a mercy.
“We gave Moses the scripture - after having annihilated the previous generations, and after setting the examples through them - to provide enlightenment for the people, and guidance, and mercy, that they may take heed.” (Sura 28:43)
In it, Christians are instructed to judge according the Injil (Gospel), “Let the people of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed, such are evil-livers.” (Sura 5:47)
Had Muhammad known of any reason to believe that the Injil (Gospel) was not totally authentic, would the Qur’an have commanded Christians to judge by it? Yet nowadays, many Muslims allege that the Holy Gospel has been grossly distorted. Either the Muslims who cast doubt on the veracity (devotion to the truth) of the Bible are wrong, or Muhammad was severely mistaken."
Jesus and the apostles and scribes made it clear (John 14:6, Acts 4: 12) that Jesus and the gospel was and is the only way of salvation.
ReplyDeleteThere is therefore no need for another religion.
Cheers.
ISLAMIC SCIENCE:
ReplyDeleteIslamic Jurisprudence Books: Human pregnancy could last for a period of FOUR years!
Islam 101: Do not Question the Religion
ReplyDeleteReligion can have questionable concepts.
ReplyDeletePhilosophy can have questionable concepts.
Ignorance is not often bliss.
Understanding reality requires critical thinking.
Hustler request denied: Georgia judge bars release of photos of hiker's nude, decapitated body
ReplyDeleteIt is good to deny Hustler this perversion.