blackbird

That's true. When there are no more European founding people in Canada and no more Christian culture because this place has been taken over by Africans, Asians, the rest of the third world, and aboriginals, you might realize you should not have been so woke and liberal.

quote Verses that critics claim are sexist are usually taken out of their proper historical, cultural, and textual context. Those who insist that the Bible is sexist argue that many events in the Bible promote sexism and devalue women. However, we need to recognize that just because the Bible records events of sexism does not mean it is advocating for misogyny. For instance, in the last chapter of the Book of Judges, Scripture records that the men of Israel instructed the tribe of Benjamin to abduct young women since they did not have enough women to marry (Judges 21:15-24). The Bible records this event as part of the moral decline of Israel. The writer of Judges even includes the ending statement, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). In this case and others, Scripture is showing the effects of sin and what happens when people turn away from God. Other instances of proposed sexism in the Bible stem from the culture of the time. Patriarchal culture reigned during biblical times, and women were not seen as equal to men. In many ways, they were seen as mere objects in the ancient world. Hence, many men in the Bible are recorded as having multiple wives and concubines (Genesis 4:19; 1 Samuel 1:1-2; 1 Kings 11:4-5). However, God said from the beginning that marriage is between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). The Bible is not supporting a demeaning view of women. Instead, it shows how sinful man has corrupted relationships. Finally, many of the criticisms of Scripture stem from misinterpretations. For instance, many people who are against the Bible claim that it urges the subordination of women. Their argument is based on misinterpretations of verses like Ephesians 5:22. Scripture encourages wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. However, a godly marriage involves mutual submission and husbands loving their wives as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:21, 25). Wives are not subordinate or less than their husbands. Furthermore, Ephesians 5:22 is about marriage, not about how women relate to men generally. The verse says nothing about women submitting to men in a general sense, but wives submitting to husbands lovingly within the limits of what God teaches in His Word. 2. Emphasize that Salvation Is Offered Equally to All People Critics argue that the Bible favors men and promotes a patriarchal society. To them, Scripture is a book meant to oppress women and keep them in subordinate positions. Despite these claims, the Bible teaches that women are equal to men and can freely receive salvation. When God created humankind, He created people with equal worth. As Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” In addition to equality, Scripture says that salvation is offered to all people. Critics point to verses like 1 Timothy 2:15 to argue that a woman does not receive salvation like men. However, the Bible plainly teaches that all people are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus died for everyone, including women (2 Corinthians 5:15). Furthermore, God invites everyone to trust in Him. His Word says that anyone who believes in His death and resurrection will receive salvation from sins and eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-11). In addition to receiving salvation in the same way, Scripture also says that there is no distinction of worth among believers in Christ. Paul describes this oneness in the Body of Christ, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Therefore, when addressing people who claim the Bible is sexist, Christians should emphasize that men and women are equal, and salvation is offered to everyone without distinction. unquote How Should We Respond When People Call the Bible Sexist? (christianity.com)

This is an obvious smear and a lie. Trying to save the lives of babies not yet born is not smearing women. It is showing compassion for humanity and trying to save lives of those who have a right to live.

If one has spent a lot of time reading up about these subjects, they can get a fairly good idea about them. But I believe it's true the average Canadian knows very little about these this subject. I think it is fair criticism that the Charter of Rights is not applied to everyone fairly. In some cases, one must have a lot of money to hire a lawyer and take something to court and even then they might loses. It also might take years to get an answer. I don't know if a civics test is the right way to go. It might be difficult or impossible to have a fair test or questions.

Most mainstream news articles on the subject dismiss the claim, but there is a news website that has what I think is an interesting article on it that takes the view Castro is his father and explains why. It is on a small news site called medium dot com. If anyone wants to google it, they should be able to find it or just put the subject in a search window and search through the search results for the one on medium dot com. I doubt it will ever be resolved one way or the other. In the scheme of things, it doesn't really matter much. It is just an interesting story.

When you say summary execution, I assume you mean execution at the drop of a hat without due process through a proper justice system. I think all Bible believing Christians would oppose that. Justice must be done within a proper justice system which includes the right to appeal. I do not believe the Bible condones unjust judgment or unjust actions. That is not the way God is. "The Old Testament law commanded the death penalty for various acts: murder (Exodus 21:12), kidnapping (Exodus 21:16), bestiality (Exodus 22:19), adultery (Leviticus 20:10), homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13), being a false prophet (Deuteronomy 13:5), prostitution and rape (Deuteronomy 22:24), and several other crimes. However, God often showed mercy when the death penalty was due. David committed adultery and murder, yet God did not demand his life be taken (2 Samuel 11:1-5, 14-17; 2 Samuel 12:13). Ultimately, every sin we commit should result in the death penalty because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Thankfully, God demonstrates His love for us in not condemning us (Romans 5:8). When the Pharisees brought a woman who was caught in the act of adultery to Jesus and asked Him if she should be stoned, Jesus replied, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). This should not be used to indicate that Jesus rejected capital punishment in all instances. Jesus was simply exposing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The Pharisees wanted to trick Jesus into breaking the Old Testament law; they did not truly care about the woman being stoned (where was the man who was caught in adultery?) God is the One who instituted capital punishment: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man” (Genesis 9:6). Jesus would support capital punishment in some instances. Jesus also demonstrated grace when capital punishment was due (John 8:1-11). The apostle Paul definitely recognized the power of the government to institute capital punishment where appropriate (Romans 13:1-7). How should a Christian view the death penalty? First, we must remember that God has instituted capital punishment in His Word; therefore, it would be presumptuous of us to think that we could institute a higher standard. God has the highest standard of any being; He is perfect. This standard applies not only to us but to Himself. Therefore, He loves to an infinite degree, and He has mercy to an infinite degree. We also see that He has wrath to an infinite degree, and it is all maintained in a perfect balance. Second, we must recognize that God has given government the authority to determine when capital punishment is due (Genesis 9:6; Romans 13:1-7). It is unbiblical to claim that God opposes the death penalty in all instances. Christians should never rejoice when the death penalty is employed, but at the same time, Christians should not fight against the government’s right to execute the perpetrators of the most evil of crimes." What does the Bible say about the death penalty / capital punishment? | GotQuestions.org

"Jesus and the apostles did not outright condemn slavery. They didn’t need to. The effect of the gospel is that lives are changed, one by one, and those changed lives in turn bring transformation to entire families, clans, and cultures. Christianity was never designed to be a political movement, but, over time, it naturally affected political policy. Alexander MacLaren wrote that the gospel “meddles directly with no political or social arrangements, but lays down principles which will profoundly affect these, and leaves them to soak into the general mind” (The Expositor’s Bible, vol. VI, Eerdmans, 1940, p. 301). In nations where Christianity spread and took firm hold, slavery was brought to an end through the efforts of born-again individuals. The seeds of the emancipation of slaves are in the Bible, which teaches that all men are created by God and made in His image (Genesis 1:27), which condemns those who kidnap and sell a person (Exodus 21:16; cf. 1 Timothy 1:8–10), and which shows that a slave can truly be “a brother in the Lord” (Philemon 1:16). Some criticize the Bible because it did not demand an immediate overthrow of every ingrained, centuries-old sinful custom of the day. But, as Warren Wiersbe pointed out, “The Lord chooses to change people and society gradually, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the proclamation of the truth of the Word of God” (The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, David C. Cook, 2007, p. 245)." Does the Bible condone slavery? | GotQuestions.org Understand Christianity is not a political movement. It is not some kind of revolutionary organization that is going to get rid of all the evil in the world and impose some kind of uotopia. The world is an evil place because man rebelled against God and fell into a state of rebellion against God. That happened when Adam and Eve listened to the serpent and ate the forbidden fruit. But God in his love and mercy for mankind sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to make atonement for mankind. That he did when he was crucified on the cross.

Let's start with what you said there. How do you know it is a flawed guide? If you don't believe it came from God, then of course you would say that. In that case it would be purely human ideas and inventions. But millions of people for thousands of years have believed that it was inspired by God. The contents of the King James Bible itself give strong proof it is God inspired. Do you have any information to dismiss that or just off the cuff opinion? How do you know what it says about slavery? Have you studied it? How do you know it is wrong about execution? Do you know what it says about it? You made some strong generalities without any facts to back it up. You couldn't convince anyone without backing up such claims.

I don't think it is productive to turn the discussion into something like a chess game where one just takes each point and tries to make a counter argument. We should be able to discuss this in a more useful way. Are you operating from the premise that every comment must be countered with an opposite comment? You made a number of comments that seem to indicate you don't really understand what Biblical or Fundamental Christianity is all about. You did say you renounced your religion many years ago. This needs some clarification if you are willing to explain in more depth. What religion did you renounce? You said you attend a Roman Catholic church with your wife. What do you know about the Christian religion? Can you describe what you believe is the basic belief in Christianity from what you learned when you were involved in it? Was it in the RC church?

There are many different gods believed by hundreds or thousands of different religions in the world. Most of those religions do not believe in or have the Christian bible and do not believe in Jesus Christ as God. The fact is Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and after the resurrection was seen by many people. The eyewitnesses include the apostles and prophets who wrote the New Testament which includes the account of what they saw. Some died for what they saw and believed. Jesus Christ was a firm believer in the Holy Scriptures, that is, the Bible. He claimed to be God and proved it by being raised from the dead. He also proved it by the accounts in the four gospels of the miracles which he performed while on earth. These are eye witness accounts. That being the case, we must accept the Bible as being inspired by God. "16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. " 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV The question is then, are you willing to accept the Bible as an objective standard?

That might be the case in some countries. This wikipedia article says they are not in decline in Africa or Latin America. The numbers may be more stable in developing countries. It says the numbers are in decline in industrialized countries such as the western democracies for some reason. However it says there are between 2 and 3 billion nominal Christians in the world, which is a huge number. All of that doesn't have any relevance at all to the truth of the Bible or Biblical Christianity. Biblical Christianity is not a popularity contest. Not sure what your point is here. Bible believing Christians are a relatively small number out of the huge population of nominal Christians in the world. The world is a fallen, corrupt place with much crime and corruption. That has nothing to do with the truth of the Bible. The world is full of false religions and conflicts of various kinds. Again, what does that prove? I am not sure why you mention it. God or Biblical Christianity is not an attempt to build a utopia on this present earth and the Bible says nothing about the whole world converting to Christianity. That is obviously not happening. That might be true, but Biblical Christianity has nothing to do with population control. There are countless different religions in the world. All of them are false except Biblical Christianity. You would have to learn something about the Bible and Christianity to understand what it is about. I don't recall anything about population control in the years I have been involved.

I don't know if numbers are dwindling or not. I have no way of knowing. Either way, it does not change the facts. The Bible says many are called; few are chosen. That is just a fact of life. When considering spiritual (Biblical) matters, if you base your beliefs on the number of people in the world who follow it, that is a fatal mistake. Most of the world could be on the road to hell. Remember there is a verse about this: "13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13 KJV Not the same at all. The justice system is built on eye witness accounts of events. Often eye witnesses are the only source verifying the truth of something. If you dismiss that, what do you have? Nothing. Practically all historical events recorded in history depend on the eye witnesses who lived at the time and saw what happened. There is no other way to know the actual details. Of course this is not the same as somebody simply saying trust me to sell you something. That is like comparing apples with oranges. Not the same at all.

Do you believe God has revealed his will and revelation to mankind? If not, who decides what is right and what is wrong? If God has revealed himself, what does he say about human life?

Did you read what I posted just a few minutes ago? The resurrection of Jesus Christ means the Bible is completely relevant. But it is up to you to consider it. Nobody can force anyone to read it or believe it. God does not force anyone to believe in him. The Bible doesn't try to prove the existence of God. It assumes he is. That is interesting. I understand what you are saying. I grew up as a Catholic until the Lord saved me through the preaching of the gospel over the radio one evening. Roman Catholicism is another story. I don't think we should spend a lot of time discussing Catholicism at this point. I will say I understand what you are saying about divorce. I will be honest with you. I know a fair amount about the RC church and their position against divorce. That is a huge error. I agree with you divorce is absolutely necessary in many cases and it is a form of abuse to tell people they cannot get a divorce. Domestic abuse is rampant and many people are suffering from abuse. Sometimes divorce is the only way out of an abusive situation. We can agree on that. Now here is my point on this. The Bible does not teach divorce is wrong in all circumstances. I have studied this subject. The problem is the RC church does not follow the Bible on this subject. They make up their own doctrines with church councils, etc. Many people in the world blame religion or the Bible for the evils in the world, but the problem is ironically the opposite. The problems often are caused because people do not understand or rightly interpret the Bible. Many religious folks reject what the Bible says and think they know better. This is the case with the RCC. But that is another big subject. The point is Jesus Christ was seen by many eye witnesses after his resurrection. He recognized Holy Scripture as coming from God. So did the prophets. So why men reject that and make up their own doctrines is hard to fathom.

The term "antiquated book" is problematic for a number of reasons. I don't know if we have the ability to really come to some understanding on these subjects on a forum such as this. We can try, but it is difficult. The word antiquated means: outmoded or discredited by reason of age : old and no longer useful, popular, or accepted unquote I assume that is the definition you are using. However, the Bible is unlike any other book. It is more than a book. Hundreds of millions of people have obtained copies of it over the centuries since the printing press was invented five hundred or so years ago. The Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years beginning about 1,200 B.C. and completed about 200 A.D. Because there was no printing press prior to the 1,500s and it had to be copied by hand, not everyone had it. But they did hear it read or taught by people who had copies. The Jewish prophets wrote the Old Testament over a period of a thousand years or more and completed it about 400 B.C. The New Testament was written by the several of the Apostles and prophets in the first century after Christ. The four gospels are directly about Jesus Christ's life on earth and his death and resurrection. There were many eye witnesses who actually saw Jesus Christ after the resurrection took place. I would encourage you to consider this. If this is the case, then of course the written accounts of Jesus Christ, what he taught and who he is would be the most earth shattering events in the history of man. Now if he was not resurrected, then of course you would be correct in saying it was an "antiquated" or useless book. This would seem to be the crux of the matter. The resurrection of Jesus Christ would seem to be the central issue here. According to the Bible, beginning way back in Genesis, mankind rebelled against God and destroyed his relationship with God. But God in his mercy sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to redeem lost man (and woman of course). Many of the apostles died as martyrs for their faith or belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and that he is really who he said he is, God or the Son of God in the flesh. People don't go out and tell about something and be willing to die for it if it were fiction. That just doesn't make sense. It is recorded that they saw Jesus Christ with their own eyes and heard him after the resurrection. I would think that is something to consider. That fact alone would really be a good test of whether or not the Bible is an "antiquated book" or not.

That is a good point. I am not alone in thinking there must be a law that legalized abortion, but perhaps that is not exactly the correct way of looking at it. Perhaps I should have said there is no law against it. However, law or no law, abortion is widespread and if I am correct it is not illegal. There is no law against it. However, when I say it is wrong and evil, I am referring to God's law or the Bible. I am not speaking about earthly manmade laws or lack of them. God's law or written revelation is higher than man's laws. I hope you see the difference. Man is not the final judge of what is right or wrong. Some people believe man is the final judge. But this is a mistake. It is called secular humanism.

Actually I just googled youtube fertilization and watched a five minute video on the process. Give it a try and see what you think. I gave a link below. Only a few minutes long. It is a human being at the moment of conception even though not developed fully. Developing into an adult is long process that begins at conception. If you want to call the pre-born baby a fetus that's ok too. It doesn't change the fact it is a human being, just at a different stage than a baby out of the womb or a 3 yr old, 10 yr old, teenager of 18, and then 24 yrs of age. There are stages to development. It all begins at fertilization or conception. Bing Videos

No. When the sperm enters the egg and unites with it, a new human is formed with the characteristics of the new baby such as gender, hair colour, and a hundred other things. It is a new human being at that moment of conception. If you google "youtube fertilization" you can watch any of a number of short videos that show how this happens. New life is formed in the process of fertilization of conception.

Thanks for the detailed reply. You make many good points. I will have to digest them and read it over again carefully. I will reply at least to some of it. There is a lot there to digest. I need time to study it.

I can understand where you're coming from. This is the crux of the matter. What you're saying does not surprise me because you have clearly pointed out the reason why you feel the way you do. So there is no point in us debating or more accurately arguing over the things we have. The central issue remains and is one we should try to understand each other better and that is on the issue of what part does God play in all this and what does his written revelation have to do with it. If you say the Bible means nothing, then we must really examine the reasons why you believe that. We should both have an open mind and try to understand each other better and where we as individuals are coming from. The only hope for us in this world is in understanding certain crucial things. I hope you will show an open mind and maybe as time goes on we will be able to understand each other better. We achieve nothing by just arguing the same old points back and forth over and over. I hope you will be willing to elevate the discussion to a better path. I could probably learn a lot myself if we did. Cheers.

Yes, I believe that is correct. However, going by a majority, particularly the most vocal ones, does not mean the government is leading in an honourable or righteous way. Perhaps they are doing it for votes if the majority favour something. This is not leadership in a good way. This is following the masses. This is why Canada is a heathen country. Our leaders have cheapened the value of human life. That is why we have assisted suicide and that has been expanding ever since it was brought in. Life is not sacred any more. Canadians should fear too because this could also affect millions of citizens. Canada has rejected the sanctity of human life. The public health care system is already being affected. It is failing in many ways and the ideology of many politicians might be "oh well, we only have so much money to put into health care and if a few thousand die because of lack of care, so what? We the political leaders have done our part. Why get upset about it if government is already spending so many billion dollars for health care? We can't help everyone. We political leaders don't believe life is sacred. You get what we can afford. We already have assisted suicide and thousands of abortions, so what's the big deal about the health care system? That's the end of it.

As a matter of principle, something immoral and evil such as killing babies, should not be legal That sends a very bad message. Vast numbers of people are using abortion for birth control. Government should outlaw it. At the same time, the government should make it as easy as possible to put the baby up for adoption. Government simply cannot control or even think they can control every thing that people do in society.

You entirely miss the point. I realize the law enables a pregnant women to get an abortion. My point is the law is wrong and evil. The discussion is not whether she can go ahead and have an abortion. Obviously under the law she can. My point is that it is the wrong decision. It is contrary to God's inspired word. There should be no such thing going on. I realize I have no say other than what I post on this forum. I post what I believe to be the Biblical truth. That is the right path to follow. Anyone can ignore that and do their own thing. But there are consequences such as killing an innocent baby to begin with. Then the woman may have to live with the guilt of that the rest of her life. That may be a painful thing for some women. There is also the gospel in the New Testament. She can become a Christian and through God's mercy and grace, obtain forgiveness. The word "rights" does not necessarily cover everything moral and righteous as a country's laws may be immoral as Canada's are. Therefore some things are left to the individual to understand and do or not do. Just because one has the right to do something under the law doesn't mean it is the moral or righteous thing to do. Thinking that because the law allows something, doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. That idea is a deadly interpretation of the law. She may become a Christian and find forgiveness through the grace of God.

I am not getting into playing a game of comparing what is going on in the world. Just letting you know what God says in the Holy Scriptures. If a mother doesn't want a baby, she should give it up for adoption. There are lots of people who can't have children and looking to adopt a child. Adoption is very common.

Not only abortion as I explained. "Thou shalt not kill" is part of the ten commandments which Moses received from God.