willy

Name one country better than ours and why?

http://politicswatch.com/day-nov23-2004.htm Maple are you sure that the Nobel Peace prize is the only measure of this man we should look at.

lowly caterpillar, I was not using my university education as a method of putting you down or me up. I was only suggesting that I was not completely ignorant and I do think about these things now and again. You are right my spelling is awful and always has been. God has given me many gifts but unfortunately spelling ain’t one of them. World view IMO is just the premise for which you base your perception of reality. Be it Christian, or agnostic. I am aware that I view the world through a lens and I was only suggesting that you have a different lens. If you challenge my faith I don't take it personally, but if you ask a question I do appreciate if it is honest question. I do enjoy thinking about these things and looking at how others view them. Please do explain how you think the world looks and works. I find that more informative and quite frankly more interesting. Tawasakm for example challenges my opinion and backs it up with a different view. It is much easier to disagree and not be personal or insulting.

Agreed. Terrible Sweal, I use authorities to understand many things. I can not possible know everything so I think we all make judgment calls on information based on where it comes from. In business I default to people like Drucker and Covey. In sport I look at great coaches and players. In philosophy and theology I look to great thinkers. This is not blind faith but an examination of what they say and then applying those thought to the other things I know. We are all bounded by our own experience so I would argue to some degree we all do this. So as the scientific approach to life is applied, what methodology of measurement is acceptable and on what authority do you accept it?

I was contemplating if it was worth answering your disingenuous question lowly caterpillar. Lowly caterpillar I get the feeling that because you don't hold a world view that the only reason that someone else might hold those belief is because they are daft. I may be daft but I do have good company. I studied sociology in my first degree and have worked on many human behavior models both qualitatively and quantitatively since I finished university. My academic search went through the science of psychology and sociology only to find many incomplete theories and partial explanations for why people do what they do. I have taken my personal search back to the roots of these sciences which are primarily western philosophy. The premise of humanistic thought mostly centers on theories derived from utilitarianism. This is not a strong premise and no real metaphysic has been fully developed using this line of thought but yet it is used as a foundation of reason to explain many human interactions. This lack of substance brought me into theology and specifically Christian theology. I will admit that I have done little to look into other religions but the consistency and holistic approach that Christian theology provides is IMO the most logical explanation for why we are the way we are and continue to be this way. Before wondering one of those seems like an obvious holes in Christianity lowly caterpillar at least assume that Augustin, Dostoevesky, CS Lewis, etc and the 1.2 billion Christians in the world today must have examined there faith with some more thought than an episode of South Park. I am not an authority but here is how I would answer your question if it is truly ingenious. My understanding of Gods justice, he would punish those that are not righteous and the mentally handicapped would probably be innocent in Gods eyes. Most of the New Testament deals with grace and what Christ means to achieving righteousness with God. Even for me who does not deserve it receives Gods grace. The innocent need not worry about justice that is reserved for the unjust.

The question is not about the teaching but how can an individual do this if they are inherently sinful. To reiterate by using a parable of a dieter who always fails because they just like fat food and the comfort from eating. What if they took a pill that made them sick whenever they ate the fat food? Staying away from fat food is no longer about will power which always seems to fail but by an intervention that changes the person. It is first love God, and then love thy neighbor. By loving God it changes you so you can love your neighbor. I will make an attempt at other of your questions latter, no time now. As for Terible Sweal do you need a hug.

The Terrible Sweal, this is not God directing action. This should be read in a historical context it was meant. Gods people in Judges regularly defy the commandments of God and then they pay for it. This is the context it should be read. Example the people did this and then this happened. When God makes pronouncements on behaviour it is obvious.

If Jesus is who he said he was, Christianity can not be disbanded. The bible for Christians has the authority of the word of God. Jesus teaching and words are also captured in the bible. From these teaching and experience a person is called to God and the growth is not just one of logic but of hart transformation. Christianity is growing now world wide. Canada is somewhat unique in the decline in association with organized religion. Why this is the case would also be an interesting discussion in the light that it is unique in the world. The bible tells me that we are made for relationships and community. The church represents the body of believers which is unified through Christ. This serves many functions, from group worship, prayer, encouragement, sheepherding and service. A private religion is not what the bible calls Christians to do. It calls us to first follow Christ and then to share our faith. As to the quantitative nature of the resurrection. Jesus was witnessed by many people in public places after the crucifixion. As with Jesus birth this was also prophesized long before he was born. The resurrection is very important to Christians; it changes Christ from a man and proves he is God. Of course this is consistent with the metaphysic that Christianity presents but we don’t have video so by faith based on reason and record Jesus assented to the right hand of God. I am not a theologian but just a regular Sunday service Christian so I hope that in my brief description of my faith I captured some useful thoughts. You may still say that I have not addressed you question but this is the best I have for now. I explored Christianity because I did not make a very good God and that really is why we need the authority of the bible, the church and really through prayer the authority of God. We just don’t do a very good job of it.

Religion is not a universal entity that meets a function. It has a name, be it Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, ect. Changed lives are great evidence. Mine can be used as example. The birth, death and resurrection of Christ would also be evidence. The answers that are received from prayer. A tree is also an example, I know I can’t make one. I need not prove all religions. I believe in Christianity and it is exclusive. The only way to God is through Christ. If Jews, Muslims or Buddhists on this board would like to offer there view great I am interested to hear and learn. God changes the hart of the issue. Hope comes from a personal relationship with God and not a cure to earthly suffering. Only God could offer such hope. People can only offer short term solutions. Cure cancer and die of old age. Following Christ does not produce violence. People, power, politics, evil all produce violence and yes some of these people claimed to be Christians. The shame is that they sure did not resemble the Christian God hopes us to be in the gospels.

For a second, don't think about functional theory. Realize that one person is bounded by their own rationality. God is not. If this place was created. Then we need religion because God made us. If God did not make us, then you are right religion is futile and any common goal that organizes people can replace it. If God does exist one best check out his word, his order and listen for his call. The best gift of God is the hope that he bring regardless of circumstance. Think of the terminally ill, with out God it is over. Think about the drug addicted, exploited, abused people, without God their is no hope. Hope of everlasting life and a caring God that would sacrifice for us. But if you don't believe this the world is a darker place. Good luck with that.

Sanctity has already been removed from the legal secular definition of marriage. Note the ever increasing divorce rate and multiple marriages. That is the destruction of the nuclear family. Commitment has been replaced by connivance and comfort. The stability and safety that children need is replaced with a me first approach. The feminist movement successful challenged the different role definitions for men and women. They are to be the same. A woman is now some how not whole unless she can self satisfy through career, education some how self actualize and a man should feminize and become more nurturing. The family has become an accessory. The introduction of same sex marriage is just the natural progression from a covenant relationship to a simple contract. Contracts are not based on sacrificial service and grace but rather a mutual benefit that does not occur often in marriage. This will result in a continued devaluation of these relationships. To me marriage is a sanctified relationship blessed by God and not a contract with the state. I think states should have contracts for long term relationships that set out the responsibilities for sharing and dividing property. This is all modern marriage is becoming and why limit this to two of anything.

Judges 8 :17 “He also pulled down the tower of Peniel and killed the men.” I am not sure why you would point out this one line or this one story. Put in context it is a story that is repeated by many individuals throughout the Old Testament. God delivers man from pagan rulers; man treats God like a servant, creates idols, misuses power and ultimately ends up in bondage again. This long bit of history tells us more about man than God. This also tells us about the world. Following the teachings of the bible all the way back in Genesis, we are in a fallen world. This means we become pray for evil and we commit sin. In this circumstance Christian or not as a leader of a nation one may have to confront other nations when they perceive them to be a threat to the relative peace. In the case of Iraq, they had a bad man as leader, they hold a unique geographical location in the Middle East and they had preexisting issues. To challenge the Islamic fundamentalist movement (war on terror) spreading western justice and freedom is a strategy. Only history will tell if it is a good one. With great power comes great responsibility and the US is the only super power. Let’s hope God is working in Bush’s life and transforming him to be more Christ like.

Jesus is quantifiable. He existed. Liar, idiot, or God.

Cartman This unfortunately is a typical response from a secular person. I respect your experience but I would like to challenge the validity of your perception. I was agnostic until I was in my mid 20's. My parents to this day would not be considered religious people. When I became a Christian, I had already finished university, and ran a business in the real world. I am a successful thinking person. I am exposed to many view points and I’m well read. I would not think of myself as a non thinking person and yet because I believe in God, I am some how less of a thinker than you. Explore what you avoid and prejudge. What do you have to lose? If there is no God you will only end up on the wrong side of the grass.

Who is we maple. It is just your opinion and mine. In a democracy we are equal. This is shown in the US election. The Democrats calling Bush supporters stupid did not gain them votes. It is condescending and elitist. The funny part is that it also doesn't get you elected. I am ordinary people. I have family values, work hard and want to leave this place better than when I came. The difference is I think I am responsible for making it happen. The NDP mindset thinks I should pay for them and they are entitled to a better life. Wrong I will just have to go where I can work and grow. I don't want to move. I want to work and grow my business here. For this I will work hard and use my resources to get the government I support 4 more years.

Maple, Of course I disagree with your list of stuff. I think that adding seats to our universities and enabling them to fund quality education is important. Our health care needs much more than a few long term care facilities. It would be nice to have the community resources to keep people in their own homes as long as possible. I know I would prefer that over a government home. I could care less about ICBC and Hydro if they are regulated and policed. If the public owns them bares little relationship to having my power and insurance needs met. The government has the power to set the playing field and they should use it. Bid BC. All government projects are open to bid and posted on a website months before the decision date. BC ferries are no different. The local ship yard was knocked off early and to keep them in when they had no chance would have been a waste of their money. Jobs in resource communities are being put in jeopardy by municipal business taxes and environmental lobby which you support. This springs election will be more about coalitions than about these issues. IMO the Liberals have better positions on these issues however they will win because of the federal liberal vote attached to the federal conservative vote out numbers the NDP vote. The Greens will also pull away some of the environmental vote from the NDP. Few, I wont have to move for another 4 years.

British Columbia is one of the most beautiful places in the world, rich in natural resources and hard-working people looking to realize the promise of the 21st century. But we can never achieve our full potential if Carol James makes it harder for ordinary people to get the economic opportunities and the education, health care and services they need. See how empty rhetoric sounds when pointed at a deserving target. The BCLibs will win in the spring but they will loose a few seats. They should loose a few. We need a functioning opposition to remove the media and the unions from that role. I am a conservative and the union between federal liberals and conservatives in BC is uncomfortable at best. That said, the union will last at least one more election. We will not chance an NDP comeback.

Christ is the model for the church. He is the example that they preach about. Do you have a problem with his leadership being the head of the church? What guide in moral judgement do you think we should follow?

Bush Wins. It is a good day. Maple, how them apples.

They did start a new party. It is called the Alberta Alliance and they claim to be to the right of the PC party.

Defining people in a political party or association based on radical extremes is damaging to any useful political process or debate. As Arnold said tonight the beauty of America is that people can disagree. Let’s hope we can do it with a little respect. It is frustrating to come on this site and have blanket statements attributed to me as a Conservative that are ridiculous. By saying those on the right are …………. You are really making personal statements. Should anyone bother correcting these erroneous statements? I will do like I do with bad TV, I will stop watching. I don’t mean this to be wining but after reading about 10 threads tonight I wonder if any real discussion occurs on this site. I used to come to this site to see how people of different political outlooks thought about various issues. What I realize is that many on this site just want to call me and other people who think like me names. If vilifying those with social and fiscal conservative ideals makes you feel better have at it but I will not bother responding anymore.

Go back further to the 1972 Olympics. But wait times change. We had that pesky cold war and the huge atomic threat. Might have been a priority. As Laura Bush said tonight, we are not going back under our desks again.

They always close after labour day for the winter. They are building larger facilities. If these vendors like they can apply for the new space.

Stoker, One more little thing, they had to wright off $200 million in debt before they privatized. If that is fine, fine has a new definition.

They are going by daily themes. Today it is education and health care. Now I know more about Kerry and Edwards maybe I should change my handle to Bushmuststay.