Replying to questions

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Interesting then how the hardcore fundamentalist Christians here, the likes of KellyJay, Josephw for example frequently dodge questions put to them. One would think that as they are at the vortex of objective universal “truth” that their version of God would give them the perfect responses.

With all due respect, you're taking the words of Jesus out of context. Please allow me to clarify. Most bible scholars agree Jesus was speaking to those particular disciples at that time who would no doubt be standing trial before the religious lawmakers of the day, to explain themselves under intense questioning. Failure to provide scripturally correct answers would brand them as heretics or false prophets. Just remember, the only passing score in those days was 100% failure to meet that standard was the punishment of stoning (not a pleasant way to die!) Jesus needed his disciples to spread his message to the world, and they couldn't very well do that if they were dead, so there was a real need to protect them. We don't normally stone people today, so there is no need for Jesus to protect his followers from questioning in such a way.

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“With all due respect”, I don’t think I am.



Well, you're certainly entitled to your opinion.

- and I'll click on the quote button if and when I see fit. Thank You 🙂

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Sir, I'm not trying to be argumentative. Bible scholars far more educated in scripture than myself crafted the statement I gave to you earlier. I suggest you please read it again and consider that the disciples of Jesus at that time were in very real danger of being killed for their beliefs. Such is not the case for Christians in these forums if they accidently give inaccurate information through their own ignorance.

@mchill said
I suggest you please read it again and consider that the disciples of Jesus at that time were in very real danger of being killed for their beliefs.

To your way of thinking, does this mean that - whatever it was they believed - it was true?

@mchill said
Such is not the case for Christians in these forums if they accidently give inaccurate information through their own ignorance.

How do you decide who it is that gives "accurate information"?

@fmf said
To your way of thinking, does this mean that - whatever it was they believed - it was true?

No, it means whatever Jesus taught them - it was true.

@fmf said
How do you decide who it is that gives "accurate information"?

I wouldn't presume to decide that myself, I would rely on those who have studied scripture as a profession; just as I would rely on a trained and certified jeweler to give me advise on the quality of a diamond, a lawyer to give me legal advice, a doctor to give me medical advice and so forth. I don't know if this makes sense to you, but it does to me.

Side Note* It may bring you some joy to know you'll be hearing from me less frequently in the future. My structured chess training plan is suffering due to lack of discipline. It's time to cut out the excuses and get back on track - and that means less time on these forums. My immediate goal of 1800 isn't going to happen by itself. Goodbye for now. 🙂

@mchill said
No, it means whatever Jesus taught them - it was true.

You mean the fact that they might have been killed means that what they claimed Jesus taught was true? Does this apply to the beliefs of anyone, from any religion, at any time? i.e. if someone might be killed for their beliefs [whatever their religion might be], then those beliefs must be true?

@mchill said
I wouldn't presume to decide that myself, I would rely on those who have studied scripture as a profession

How do you decide which ones to rely on?