blackbird

The Liberals are bringing in new laws to change the criminal justice system (allegedly to tackle racism). So I guess this means visible minorities will get much lighter sentences than those terrible old stock Canadians. Visible minorities, whose crimes are not considered that serious, will not be subject to minimum mandatory sentences and may be sentenced to house arrest instead. This all fits in to the Liberal ideology of turning a blind eye to evil and hate for law-abiding citizens.

BCTV news reported tonight a huge number of store robberies in Vancouver in the last month or so done by criminals with knives, a gun, baseball bat, and just sheer physical force. These tough guys just push the store clerk or owner aside and take what they want. Showed them on security cameras. Bet that doesn't happen in the states where the store owners can own a gun for protection of himself and his staff and goods. Not allowed in Canada. If the police even catch them, the punishment will be a slap on the wrist. Not much deterrent. Many states also have capital punishment for criminals who kill somebody. They don't mess around with a slap on the wrist like Canada.

The real issue is all this confiscation of guns from law-abiding citizens will not stop all the shootings which are done mainly by gang members and people who seem to easily get illegal handguns. This will do nothing to reduce the shootings by the criminals with illegal hand guns. Secondly, minister Blair says there is no right in Canada to own a gun. He says it is a privilege. Why doesn't he tell that to all the criminals who have illegal handguns? Who is protecting the law-abiding citizens from the criminals with the guns?

The "sign off on any request for death" is wrong from the start. Such a law or practice is evil in itself. As I have said repeatedly, killing is forbidden in God's written revelation to man, the Bible. On top of that, "will be screened out" is not necessarily true. A man in Chilliwack, BC, who was not really old, suffered from depression and had mental issues, but he was given assisted death against the wishes of his relatives. The question of why God allowed wars, famines, murder, rape, torture, etc. is a common question. According to Biblical theology or teaching, it is because man rebelled against God when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. They were tempted by the serpent (Satan) and fell for it. This was commonly called the fall of man. It immediately meant all their descendants were born with a corrupt, fallen nature and the world became a corrupt evil place with wars, diseases, crime, etc. God is sovereign and man who was created by God should not question or argue with God as to why these things happen. The Bible does answer a lot of these questions. I am not a theologian and can only give or find some basic answers about some things. Many answers are also available to Google. God still is in control of this world and life. He gave man free will also, but with man's fallen nature, man on his own chooses evil continually. God allows this for his greater purposes and glory. But he also sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior for those who believe in him. That is what the Bible is mainly about. Yes there is forgiveness, but only for those who accept and believe on his Son Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The Bible makes it clear there is no forgiveness apart from one becoming a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

I'm glad if your brother is not suffering. That is a big plus. Hopefully the pain medication will continue to work for him. I am not Roman Catholic. My only rule of faith is the King James Bible. But I agree with the ten points listed on page 2 why MAID must be opposed. I disagree with Roman Catholic religious theology for the most part. But I agree with them on these subjects. If it is in the Bible, we can only agree. This is a question of taking someone's life, which is condemned in the Bible. There are only few exceptions when human life may be taken, such as defense in war, defense in police work, and capital punishment for murderers. Aside from that, there is no allowance in the Bible for taking life because one thinks it will reduce suffering. At what point would a line be drawn. Leaving it up to the individual also does not make it right. MAID opens a pandora's box. It was first legalized in 2016 with a certain number of restrictions but that put Canada on the slippery slope and now the new legislation is proposing to make it even easier to get MAID. It will put many people at increased risk, especially handicapped people, older people who might not be able to think clearly, people with mental issues and even young people and others. Many people suffer depression at different times in their life and many might think this is an easy way out. I don't see opposition to MAID as authoritarian or oppressive. Human life is sacred and must be protected at all stages from conception to natural death. The reason as I have said is because God condemns killing humans. The Bible says in Genesis God created man in his own image and gave a special place in the world. He place a soul and spirit in man and even though we must face death, our soul does not die but returns to God who gave it. We will be held accountable for our lives on earth after death. So it is not my personal opinion and it is not my wish that anyone suffer, but I must follow my Creator who alone creates life and ends it.

The Bible has many predictions about the future that came to pass. Like Isaiah ch53 predicted 700 years before it came to pass. Hardly something mere men could predict. Proof that it originated from God.

You wanted some proof about God and the Bible. There is proof in the Bible. If you knew that a book made numerous predictions about the future and then these predictions came to pass, would that mean anything to you? There are a number of such predictions or prophecies in the Bible that came to pass. One of the important ones is written by the prophet Isaiah in chapter 53. This was written 700 years before Christ, but describes what happened to Christ very well. Isaiah is part of the Old Testament or Jewish Bible. Yet this chapter predicts what happened to Christ 700 years before it happened. Such an accurate prediction could not be invented by man and had to be the work of God. A one hour video explaining this prophecy would be worth watching. This is very strong proof that the Old Testament was written by men inspired by God. youtube.com/watch?v=E97P-wTAzfc Or go to youtube and search for John MacArthur: For the Authority of Scripture

"THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE Richard L. Mayhue Senior Vice President and Dean Professor of Theology and Pastoral Ministries After a brief look at the general concept of “authority,” this essay continues with an introductory discussion concerning the authority of God. It is developed in terms of (1) the declarations of Scripture; (2) the displays in God’s names, nature, and prerogatives; and (3) Satan’s denial. Then, God’s authority is discussed as it is invested in Scripture in the sense that the Bible is the voice of God and therefore speaks with His full authority. God’s authority in Scripture can thus be described as original, unalterable, exclusive, permanent, ultimate, obligatory, and consequential. Scripture is to be authoritatively preached and submissively obeyed since the Author of and the authority within will reward righteous obedience and condemn those who disregard and disobey His authority in Scripture. * * * * * The concept of authority is thoroughly woven into the fabric of Scripture. It is unmistakably obvious from Gen 1:1 (“In the beginning God created …” 1 ) to Rev 22:20 (“Yes, I am coming quickly.”) and everywhere between. This idea of “ultimate right” is inextricably linked with God’s sovereignty (Rom 11:36). Just how important is the authority of Scripture? Listen carefully to one of the preeminent Reformers when he spoke to this very question at the Diet of Worms in April, 1521. Martin Luther, under intense pressure to recant regarding “justification by faith” and other recently embraced truths from the Bible, responded to Meister Eck in this fashion: Since then Your Majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen. What is truly known about authority did not originate outside of Scripture, but rather within. Thus, it is not a secular concept that has been co-opted by religion. On the contrary, it is a sacred element of the very Person of God. What Scripture properly teaches about authority has actually been shamefully distorted by this world’s system and wrongfully employed by all world religions. This essay intends to explore what Scripture itself teaches about authority, especially its own. AUTHORITY The rightful idea of authority has fallen on hard times at the start of the twenty-first century. Illegitimate forms and expressions of authority range from the illegal and abusive exercise of authoritarianism/totalitarianism to individual authority which emerges from a postmodern mindset of selfishness. The appropriate approach to the discussion commences with a working definition of authority in general, especially legitimate authority exercised in a proper fashion. A representative dictionary definition records that authority is the “Power or right to enforce obedience; moral or legal supremacy; right to command or give a final decision.” 3 Bernard Ramm suggests, Authority itself means that right or power to command action or compliance, or to determine belief or custom, expecting obedience from those under authority, and in turn giving responsible account for the claim to right or power.4 The NT noun (102 times) most commonly translated “authority” is ¦>@LF\" (exousia). A representative lexical definition reads, “The power exercised by rulers or others in high position by virtue of their office.” 5 There are many approaches to authority in a secular worldview, e.g., 1. oligarchical – authority exercised by a powerful few. 2. democratic – authority exercised by the people. 3. hereditary – authority exercised by those in a particular family. 4. despotic – authority exercised by one or more in an evil fashion. 5. personal – authority exercised by one person. However, with a biblical worldview, original authority and ultimate authority reside with God and God alone. God did not inherit His authority—there was no one to bequeath it to Him. God did not receive His authority—there was no one to bestow it on Him. God’s authority did not come by way of an election—there was no one to vote for Him. God did not seize His authority—there was no one to steal it from. God did not earn His authority—it was already His. God inherentl yembodies authority because He is the great “I AM” (Exod 3:14; John 8:58) -tms.edu Notice the article says God will reward righteous obedience to Scripture and condemn those who disregard and disobey His authority in Scripture. The fact that there is a God who revealed himself in his creation and communicated his revelation to man in the Holy Scripture means we are accountable to Him.

"19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" Romans 1:19, 20 So you see, the proof of God is all around you in the creation, but you can't see it.

There is proof the Bible came from God. Google authority of the Bible and read some of the article. One is at bible.org

There is proof in the Bible that it did come from God. “Remember what I accomplished in antiquity! Truly I am God, I have no peer; I am God, and there is none like me, who announces the end from the beginning and reveals beforehand what has not yet occurred, who says, ‘My plan will be realized, I will accomplish what I desire,’ who summons an eagle from the east, from a distant land, one who carries out my plan. Yes, I have decreed, yes, I will bring it to pass; I have formulated a plan, yes, I will carry it out” (Isaiah 46:9-11). These verses clearly teach that the fact of inspiration and the facts of history when taken together will prove whether or not a prophet had written the words of God. One unique feature of the Bible is the vast amount of prophecy or prediction concerning future events it contains. God challenges men to examine these, prophecies to see whether or not they have been fulfilled! For a prediction to be fulfilled in the way and in the time foretold by the prophet is proof that God spoke through the prophet. We will study this in detail in later lessons. This test can be applied to thousands of predictions in the Bible leading to the conclusion that God has spoken. The Bible’s claim to be inspired by the Holy Spirit is the only possible answer to the amazing mystery of the foretelling of the future in accurate detail." - bible.org

The Bible says God created us in his own image and he loves us. He does care what happens to us. He has ordained that no one should kill another. Once that command is violated, a pandora's box is opened and there is no limit to what man can think he can do.

I thought I answered you. What specifically was your question? I don't agree with anybody denying homosexuals their rights. They should not be persecuted or harassed. Everyone should have the same human rights. I think they have the same rights as everyone else.

I believe complexity of life does negate the accident theory. Yes bad things happened in history. That was partly because the Holy Roman Empire controlled the western world and even controlled kings, rulers, and everyone. That was a false religion not based on the Bible. It was tyrannical. Fortunately many western countries had the Reformation and broke free from it. Still bad things happened in countries that were still under it's influence or control, like Hitler and the Nazis.

Hopefully your life won't end that way, but the health care system does have many kinds of pain medications they use for people who have a lot of pain. You sound like you are willing to give up right away and call for the death needle.

Yes, I know there are theories, like Darwins Theory of Evolution. This has been debunked by many scientists. I have a little book called "Refuting Evolution" by Jonathan Sarfati, Ph.D. You may want to read that too. The website creation.com also has articles. The faulty theory of evolution has had terrible consequences for the world. The book carefully refutes evolution theory on a number of basis.

Western civilization is built on Judeo-Christian principles that recognize the rights and dignity of the individual. Eastern civilization does not. The complexity of the creation is evident in millions of ways that should demonstrate that the idea of an accident is nonsensical. gene: In biology, a gene (from Greek, meaning generation) is a basic unit of heredity and a sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that encodes the synthesis of a gene product, either RNA or protein. During gene expression, the DNA is first copied into RNA. The RNA can be directly functional or be the intermediate template for a protein that performs a function. The transmission of genes to an organism's offspring is the basis of the inheritance of phenotypic traits. These genes make up different DNA sequences called genotypes.

No, not really. It is far more rational to believe the complex universe required an intelligent designer (God) to design and create it than to say it happened by itself, which makes no sense at all. Some of the greatest scientists that ever lived will tell you that.

The accident theory has been dismissed by many famous scientists because it provides no explanation for the complexity of creation and life for example. The claim of some kind of cosmic accident explains nothing really. It doesn't even explain how the atomic particles and the laws of physics that govern their motions and actions came into existence. The existence of a Creator who designed and created everything seems far more logical than to say it all came about by accident. Even microscopic things like the genes are so complex that it is unimaginable that they just happened by accident.

I see my belief in the sanctity of human life is a valid opinion that the government should consider when making the laws. It is the same reason we have laws against murder or stealing or anything else. I don't control what other people do or have the right to do. You seem to think my belief is directly denying the rights of other people, but yours is not. Your view which you admit is based on atheism, actually doesn't fit in with western civilization's historic Judeo-Christian society. You worry about your right to assisted dying, but the human rights which you enjoy in western society actually grew out of Judeo-Christian principles of respect for individual human life and dignity. That is nonn-existent in Communist countries like China. The individual has no human rights in such systems.

I realize there are a lot of atheists on these forums. I have spoken with them for several years. But I have never heard a rational explanation from one of them where the creation came from if not from a Creator.

Of course you are free to live your life based on whatever laws allow you to do. We are all free to agree or disagree with laws. You want to know why I don't agree with assisted dying or more correctly suicide, I tried to explain. If you want to know more about the reasons I gave you the references and site to find it. It's up to you now. Nothing really to argue about. But it is fiction to say I control but your beliefs do not control. Neither of us controls anything except our own lives. But we could discuss it rationally, like why do claim to be an atheist? Where do you think everything came from?

I don't "control" anyone. That is your fiction. You are free to believe what you wish.

I see you replied right away without reading anything of the reference I gave you which explains why the Bible is the word of God. I gave you the information to look up. It is up to you. If you choose not to read it, that is entirely your choice.

I replied above to your comments on the authority of the Bible and God. I cannot control what other people do and never claimed to. But everyone who wishes can express their opinions and beliefs in western democratic countries. Secular humanists, Communists, Socialist, Capitalists, atheists, agnostics, liberals, conservatives, globalists, nationalists, and people with various religious beliefs all express their opinions and governments make the laws based on everyone's opinions and deciding from that.