The Less than Amazing Atheist

[Red Sky at Morning]

You think way too highly of yourselves.

I think it more likely that those who believe themselves to be merely evolved apes with smartphones think too little of themselves?

 

[DevaWolf]

We are hated, because we tell everyone that they are basically wrong and that they have to turn from their sin. We have a message for the world that it doesn't like... According to the Bible we are not only hated, but we are also fools and the scum of the earth.

1Cor 4:13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

You can be polite, kind, and well mannered to anyone, in fact we are told to be just that, yet at the end of the day the world still despises the message we are told to give them. They resist and fight it and will even heap after themselves teachers who provide a cloak for their sin.

I am just telling you Christians aren't the only religion that gets hated, but they are remarkably loud about it. That's all.

 

[DevaWolf]

I think it more likely that those who believe themselves to be merely evolved apes with smartphones think too little of themselves?

Why ? Human beings are the highest form of life on this planet through evolution, that's good enough for me.

 

[Red Sky at Morning]

“...Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.“

1 John 3:2

#believeinbetter

 

[Red Sky at Morning]

Why ? Human beings are the highest form of life on this planet through evolution, that's good enough for me.

The “being hated” one is interesting. You can be hated for a variety of reasons, for example, a rude, obnoxious, “holier than thou” Christian can approach the unbelieving world with haughty superiority and receive hateful responses. They might comfort themselves by believing they are suffering for the Gospel but in reality they may be suffering the kind of backlash any a**shole might get!

On the other hand, a Christian may share the gospel out of a genuine love and concern for others, remembering that not long ago, they were in the same predicament. Even though they try to reach out to the world, the message that they are sinners in need of a saviour pushes all their buttons and the anger they feel at such a suggestion puts the messenger in the firing line for hate. Those who preach the gospel may often remember the people they hated back for telling them, but realise they would never have understood if someone had not risked being hated for them.

1 Peter 3 gives a sense of this...

Suffering for Right and Wrong
13And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

 

[Resistor]

“...Beloved, now we are the sons of God

That was warned against:
“You will not surely die,” the serpent told her. "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:4-5)

 

[Red Sky at Morning]

That was warned against:
“You will not surely die,” the serpent told her. "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:4-5)

It is a very subtle distinction @Resistor - “sons” refers to the position we are restored to because of the Cross. Just like the Prodigal Son, we were once away working in a pig sty. To have our relationship restored with the Father does not make us “as” the Father but puts us back in His family.

 

[Resistor]

It is a very subtle distinction @Resistor - “sons” refers to the position we are restored to because of the Cross. Just like the Prodigal Son, we were once away working in a pig sty. To have our relationship restored with the Father does not make us “as” the Father but puts us back in His family.

But not when it's referring to Jesus?

So Jesus gets what the Serpent promised somehow, yet you don't get what Jesus promised to you?

 

[Red Sky at Morning]

But not when it's referring to Jesus?

So Jesus gets what the Serpent promised somehow, yet you don't get what Jesus promised to you?

Question: "What does the Bible say about sons?"

Answer: Son in the Bible is used in several different ways, but it always refers to a relationship or affiliation. In Hebrew, it is ben (think “Benjamin,” which means “son of my right hand”), in Aramaic bar (“Simon Bar-Jonah” of Matthew 16:17), and in Greek, auios. It is most often used to indicate a direct descendent—either a child or a grandchild. But son is also used as a metaphor to reflect a characteristic, profession, or citizenship.

Primarily, a “son” in the Bible is a direct male descendent. The word was not limited to the first generation; when Paul preached in Antioch, he called the Jews present “sons of the family of Abraham.” As we do now, people in that time used the word son to refer to someone who was younger or of inferior social status, like the priest Eli did with Samuel (1 Samuel 3:16) and Jesus with the paralytic (Matthew 9:2).

The term son often carries a deeper meaning, however, that intertwines with genealogy. When Jesus says of Zacchaeusin Luke 19:9, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham,” Jesus didn’t just mean that Zacchaeus was a Jew, a direct descendent of Abraham. He meant that Zacchaeus had faith. Galatians 3:7elaborates: “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham”—Zacchaeus was a “son of Abraham” because he took part in the Abrahamic Covenant, which included accepting the blessing of Christ. And in Matthew 1:1, when Jesus was identified as the “son of David, the son of Abraham,” the terms don’t just mean that Jesus was directly descended from David and Abraham (which He was). In both cases, to be a “son” means to follow in someone’s footsteps; to emulate another’s actions; to carry on and, to an extent, fulfill the “father’s” life and purpose. We who are believers are “sons of Abraham,” because we fulfill God’s promise to Abraham that He would bless the world through Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:3). Jesus is the “Son of David” because He is the fulfillment of God’s promise that David would always have a descendant on the throne (2 Samuel 7:10–13). In these cases, Abraham and David become more than people or patriarchs; they become the embodiment of an idea—specifically, God’s work in humanity. To be a son is to partake in the grand purpose of another’s life (Matthew 13:38; Luke 6:35).

Son can also refer to a person’s character or identity. A “son of Aaron” was a priest, a “son of Asaph” was a musician and songwriter (2 Chronicles 35:14–15), and a “son of the prophets” was a prophet (2 Kings 2:3). “Son of” was also used metaphorically to identify one’s nature or a personality trait: Jesus is called the “Son of God,” a title communicating His divine nature (1 John 5:13); and the “sons of thunder”—James and John—were known for their somewhat outgoing personalities (Mark 3:17). Son could refer to nationality: a “son of Zion” was a Jew—a citizen of Israel or Jerusalem. Son also indicated religion: sons of Chemosh (Numbers 21:29) and sons of Belial (Deuteronomy 13:13). This is perhaps the most ominous use of the word, since it indicates that pagans followed in the purpose of these demon-gods.

So, to be a “son” is to be closely related to and allied with a person, place, or characteristic. This is true for biological sons, as well. Genesis 5:3 identifies Seth as Adam’s biological son, but more so a “son in his own likeness, after his image.” When Rebekah and Isaac had twins, Isaac identified more with Esau while Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:27–28). To be a son in Israel in Jesus’ day was to be an extension and representative of the parents, particularly the father (Mark 12:6).

The guidance given to parents regarding sons is universal for daughters, as well:

- Teach them about God (Deuteronomy 11:18–19)
- Teach them how to properly use their talents and gifts (Proverbs 22:6)
- Do not frustrate them to the point they become disrespectful (Ephesians 6:4)
- Properly discipline them (Proverbs 19:18)
- Provide for their needs (Matthew 7:9)
- Forgive them (Luke 15:24)
- Realize they are a blessing (Psalm 127:3–5)

The most important thing parents can do for their sons is lead them to be sons of God. Ultimately, our sons are not ours to keep. Romans 8:14 explains what our ultimate goal as parents should be: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” A son may inherit our eyes, our height, or our love of the outdoors, but the greatest thing he can inherit is our faith and our standing as sons of God: “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Galatians 4:6). When they are born again, they become more than our sons—they become our brothers (Romans 8:16–17).

What does the Bible say about sons? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about sons? What lessons can be learned from studying the sons mentioned in the Bible?

www.gotquestions.org

 

[Resistor]

Question: "What does the Bible say about sons?"

Answer: Son in the Bible is used in several different ways, but it always refers to a relationship or affiliation. In Hebrew, it is ben (think “Benjamin,” which means “son of my right hand”), in Aramaic bar (“Simon Bar-Jonah” of Matthew 16:17), and in Greek, auios. It is most often used to indicate a direct descendent—either a child or a grandchild. But son is also used as a metaphor to reflect a characteristic, profession, or citizenship.

Primarily, a “son” in the Bible is a direct male descendent. The word was not limited to the first generation; when Paul preached in Antioch, he called the Jews present “sons of the family of Abraham.” As we do now, people in that time used the word son to refer to someone who was younger or of inferior social status, like the priest Eli did with Samuel (1 Samuel 3:16) and Jesus with the paralytic (Matthew 9:2).

The term son often carries a deeper meaning, however, that intertwines with genealogy. When Jesus says of Zacchaeusin Luke 19:9, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham,” Jesus didn’t just mean that Zacchaeus was a Jew, a direct descendent of Abraham. He meant that Zacchaeus had faith. Galatians 3:7elaborates: “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham”—Zacchaeus was a “son of Abraham” because he took part in the Abrahamic Covenant, which included accepting the blessing of Christ. And in Matthew 1:1, when Jesus was identified as the “son of David, the son of Abraham,” the terms don’t just mean that Jesus was directly descended from David and Abraham (which He was). In both cases, to be a “son” means to follow in someone’s footsteps; to emulate another’s actions; to carry on and, to an extent, fulfill the “father’s” life and purpose. We who are believers are “sons of Abraham,” because we fulfill God’s promise to Abraham that He would bless the world through Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:3). Jesus is the “Son of David” because He is the fulfillment of God’s promise that David would always have a descendant on the throne (2 Samuel 7:10–13). In these cases, Abraham and David become more than people or patriarchs; they become the embodiment of an idea—specifically, God’s work in humanity. To be a son is to partake in the grand purpose of another’s life (Matthew 13:38; Luke 6:35).

Son can also refer to a person’s character or identity. A “son of Aaron” was a priest, a “son of Asaph” was a musician and songwriter (2 Chronicles 35:14–15), and a “son of the prophets” was a prophet (2 Kings 2:3). “Son of” was also used metaphorically to identify one’s nature or a personality trait: Jesus is called the “Son of God,” a title communicating His divine nature (1 John 5:13); and the “sons of thunder”—James and John—were known for their somewhat outgoing personalities (Mark 3:17). Son could refer to nationality: a “son of Zion” was a Jew—a citizen of Israel or Jerusalem. Son also indicated religion: sons of Chemosh (Numbers 21:29) and sons of Belial (Deuteronomy 13:13). This is perhaps the most ominous use of the word, since it indicates that pagans followed in the purpose of these demon-gods.

So, to be a “son” is to be closely related to and allied with a person, place, or characteristic. This is true for biological sons, as well. Genesis 5:3 identifies Seth as Adam’s biological son, but more so a “son in his own likeness, after his image.” When Rebekah and Isaac had twins, Isaac identified more with Esau while Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:27–28). To be a son in Israel in Jesus’ day was to be an extension and representative of the parents, particularly the father (Mark 12:6).

The guidance given to parents regarding sons is universal for daughters, as well:

- Teach them about God (Deuteronomy 11:18–19)
- Teach them how to properly use their talents and gifts (Proverbs 22:6)
- Do not frustrate them to the point they become disrespectful (Ephesians 6:4)
- Properly discipline them (Proverbs 19:18)
- Provide for their needs (Matthew 7:9)
- Forgive them (Luke 15:24)
- Realize they are a blessing (Psalm 127:3–5)

The most important thing parents can do for their sons is lead them to be sons of God. Ultimately, our sons are not ours to keep. Romans 8:14 explains what our ultimate goal as parents should be: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” A son may inherit our eyes, our height, or our love of the outdoors, but the greatest thing he can inherit is our faith and our standing as sons of God: “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Galatians 4:6). When they are born again, they become more than our sons—they become our brothers (Romans 8:16–17).

What does the Bible say about sons? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about sons? What lessons can be learned from studying the sons mentioned in the Bible?

www.gotquestions.org

As I've already said.

 

[Red Sky at Morning]

As I've already said.

Question: "What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Answer: Jesus is not God’s Son in the sense of a human father and a son. God did not get married and have a son. God did not mate with Mary and, together with her, produce a son. Jesus is God’s Son in the sense that He is God made manifest in human form (John 1:1, 14). Jesus is God’s Son in that He was conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35 declares, “The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.’”

During His trial before the Jewish leaders, the High Priest demanded of Jesus, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God” (Matthew 26:63). “‘Yes, it is as you say,’ Jesus replied. ‘But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven’” (Matthew 26:64). The Jewish leaders responded by accusing Jesus of blasphemy (Matthew 26:65-66). Later, before Pontius Pilate, “The Jews insisted, ‘We have a law, and according to that law He must die, because He claimed to be the Son of God’” (John 19:7). Why would His claiming to be the Son of God be considered blasphemy and be worthy of a death sentence? The Jewish leaders understood exactly what Jesus meant by the phrase “Son of God.” To be the Son of God is to be of the same nature as God. The Son of God is “of God.” The claim to be of the same nature as God—to in fact be God—was blasphemy to the Jewish leaders; therefore, they demanded Jesus’ death, in keeping with Leviticus 24:15. Hebrews 1:3 expresses this very clearly, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.”

Another example can be found in John 17:12 where Judas is described as the “son of perdition.” John 6:71 tells us that Judas was the son of Simon. What does John 17:12 mean by describing Judas as the “son of perdition”? The word perdition means “destruction, ruin, waste.” Judas was not the literal son of “ruin, destruction, and waste,” but those things were the identity of Judas' life. Judas was a manifestation of perdition. In this same way, Jesus is the Son of God. The Son of God is God. Jesus is God made manifest (John 1:1, 14).

Recommended Resource: God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum

What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God? How can Jesus be the Son of God and God-incarnate at the same time?

www.gotquestions.org

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

Living to appease your flesh and wholly dedicate your existence to indulging in your carnal lusts aye? That is essentially what Laveyan Satanism is. It is exaltation of the lower self or the embracing of the carnal nature within man...

Lavey was an actual Satanist though. He performed rituals and occult practices...

You should read up. Religion has quite good explanation from various angles, psychology in particular. Like a lot of animals (from humans to pidgeons) having a tendency towards type 2 cognition errors: the false positive. This is the basis of superstition.

There's loads of precedents also of people making stuff up and actually believing it while also getting others to believe it. We've seen it happen right under our nose multiple times. How rastafarianism began, how scientology began, how mormonism began, etc.

So there are perfectly reasonable explanations for the existance of religions. And curiously, if the explanatory models are accurate, then we would in fact expect MANY different religions and different gods. We would also expect these religions to be traceable to cultural identies.

Conversely, if the models are wrong and if there actually is a god at the source of religion, then I would not expect many vastly different religions and gods.

No.... instead, I'ld expect Columbus arriving in south america and encounter natives who didn't have to be explained who Jawhe, Jesus, Adam, Eve, Noah, Jacob, Isaak, Abraham, etc.... were/are.


All evidence points to humans having made up all religion, and we have actual very recent precedents of people doing exactly that. We have zero evidence of the opposite.

Does that mean or prove that god doesn't exist?
No.

But it DOES put god(s) in the same category of credibility as bigfoot and unicorns.

 

[DevaWolf]

That was warned against:
“You will not surely die,” the serpent told her. "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:4-5)

I would always like to know why this is the warning the serpent gave. We know good and evil, and apparently God didn't want us to. Why?

 

[Just following orders]

Yes, Laveyan Satanists are also occultists. We believe it is a way to focus the subconcious mind on our goals, nothing more.

Hate to tell you this, but isn’t it fairly well documented that ‘some’ divisions of satanism indulge in ritual child sexual abuse..and even worse, that I’d rather not mention on a public chat forum? Crowley wrote about the best practice and it’s a well known phenomenon in social services.



always saw AL as a decoy..the acceptable face of satanism. Not the true face of satanism.

 

[Tidal]

There are atheistic Satanists. In fact, I am one.

I hope you don't do stuff like this mate.. -

 

[shankara]

EDIT: Accidentally posted previous comment with second one.

We are hated, because we tell everyone that they are basically wrong and that they have to turn from their sin. We have a message for the world that it doesn't like... According to the Bible we are not only hated, but we are also fools and the scum of the earth.

1Cor 4:13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

You can be polite, kind, and well mannered to anyone, in fact we are told to be just that, yet at the end of the day the world still despises the message we are told to give them. They resist and fight it and will even heap after themselves teachers who provide a cloak for their sin.

So do all other religions (tell people to turn from sin), what's so special about yours? Well of course there is the assurance of "guaranteed salvation". Seriously Christians are not persecuted, if you look at the Yanqui evangelicals it's them who are doing the persecuting. i.e. favouring neoliberal policies etc. Well, that's what I understand from one person I encountered on here, who I take to be pretty much representative of the US evangelical thing.

We are hated, because we tell everyone that they are basically wrong and that they have to turn from their sin. We have a message for the world that it doesn't like... According to the Bible we are not only hated, but we are also fools and the scum of the earth.

1Cor 4:13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

You can be polite, kind, and well mannered to anyone, in fact we are told to be just that, yet at the end of the day the world still despises the message we are told to give them. They resist and fight it and will even heap after themselves teachers who provide a cloak for their sin.

Yes, people disagreeing with you, that really constitutes persecution. In fact Christians have a lot of political power and influence, it's the poor and marginalized people of the developing world who are really suffering at the hands of tyrants. And who are also, I would say, living more Christ-like lives than those of the majority of Christians.

 

[Tidal]

Lavey taught to embrace and not be ashamed of mans primitive carnal instincts. He believed they should not be inhibited, but rather released....

Bit like in The Wicker Man where pagan Christopher Lee presents this young boy to the landlord's daughter so she can initiate him into the pleasures of sexual delights.
No doubt many people were offended by the scene but personally i think he's a lucky little ******.

 

[Tidal]

..it's the poor and marginalized people of the developing world who are really suffering at the hands of tyrants. And who are also, I would say, living more Christ-like lives than those of the majority of Christians.

Christian married couples sit down and carefully discuss whether to bring a child into the world, but third worlders churn out unwanted babies as if on a conveyor belt even in countries where the land can't support all those mouths to feed, so I think the Christian way is a tad better..

 

[shankara]

Christian married couples sit down and carefully discuss whether to bring a child into the world, but third worlders churn out unwanted babies as if on a conveyor belt even in countries where the land can't support all those mouths to feed, so I think the Christian way is a tad better..

All cultures have their problems.

 

[shankara]

Christian married couples sit down and carefully discuss whether to bring a child into the world, but third worlders churn out unwanted babies as if on a conveyor belt even in countries where the land can't support all those mouths to feed, so I think the Christian way is a tad better..

Also there is enough food in the world to feed everyone by a long way, the problem is with the way it is distributed, i.e. capitalism.