Justin Welby

[jon1959]

Re: Justin Welby

BTW: Happy New Year to all - let each of us try to do our bit to make the world a little bit better in 2025!

For that line if not the rest....

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: Justin Welby

As far as I know I am probably the only other Christian who contributes to the CCMB. As I wrote in a post earlier this month I have deliberately chosen not to take part in any of the ping-pong interactions going on in this thread (and various others of recent times), not least because I have a life outside this MB! Basically I am repeating that earlier post here. I make no apologies for my faith nor whether others accept it or not – that's not my responsibility. Everyone who reads my posts related to faith matters has been exposed to the Christian message, so I have done my bit. What each person does with that knowledge is up to them!

There are some posters who, on faith matters, I simply ignore now as it's pointless to try to engage. There are others who at least are able to put together a reasoned paragraph in response rather than “it's all bollocks” for example. I notice that the main antagonist of the latter persuasion has recently disappeared – maybe he either got an Old Testament-style thunderbolt retribution or he repented and got taken up to heavy-metal heaven?

As TP says he does not anticipate much support and to win friends on the MB (same goes for me), as we are clearly in the minority, not just here but in the world in general. I suspect very few CCMB posters believe in Biblical prophecies but TP's quote from those very telling words of Jesus “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first” - that sounds remarkably accurate to me, as indeed does “there will be plenty of scoffers in the last days”.

I am just getting on with my life, trying my best to be a follower of Jesus, doing the things that he would expect me to do, not because I am seeking Brownie points, but out of love and respect for him. It is a relationship rather than a philosophy, a way of life not a hobby which I pursue just on a Sunday! I try to put my faith into action every day and that is my Christian witness to others i.e. judge me not by my words but by my actions - difficult on an Internet forum of course, a bit like trying to cover a snooker match on radio.

Jesus's teaching and his actions go straight to the heart of the human condition. I don't think he got too bothered about talking snakes or talking donkeys, or what age Noah lived to, in fact, he never mentions them as far as I know. He (Jesus) is far more interested in what is in the heart of each person as that is of the utmost importance to him, anything else like status, wealth, worldly knowledge and power are irrelevant. Love God and love your neighbour is easy to say, less so to put into practice, but that's the bottom line. God came into our world in the shape of Jesus and his teaching was (and indeed still is) unpalatable to many as it requires a significant change away from our selfish human behaviour, i.e. it requires repentance. The world has largely ignored his teaching, hence we are where we are, with starvation, wars, human trafficking, and civil unrest endemic in our world; and on a smaller scale, marriage breakdowns, broken homes, record numbers of children in care, prisons full to overflowing etc.

The ruling theocracy in Jesus's time tried to exterminate him and his early followers as they were a threat to their power and authority but failed on both counts as Christianity spread throughout the Roman empire and eventually the whole world. The irony that many people seem to overlook is that Jesus was anti-authority in his day, so talk of Christianity being created to suppress the masses is nonsense; he preached freedom which was anathema to the Jewish theocracy and led to his execution.

TP and I are “on the same page” as they say, only our responsive styles are different. I agree 100% with his statement “people who have no respect for the Bible are generally not used to hearing direct answers from people who are confident that the answers given by scripture are pertinent”; if that in turn comes across as arrogant in a world where everyone can create their own 'truth' then that's the way it is people!

BTW: Happy New Year to all - let each of us try to do our bit to make the world a little bit better in 2025!

I fully respect your civility on here regardless of our opposing views. You seem to be a gentleman and I wish you all the best in 2025

[truthpaste]

Re: Justin Welby

"A laughable response............ As for your other ludicrous assertion..........it's equally laughable.......a person who is so deeply indoctrinated like you...............the scribblings whereby a donkey supposedly spoke the word of your god..........how ridiculous, parochial and myopic your points are.........."

One day you may realise why I gave you a hard time. Despite your constant mocking of God and myself and the lack of any reasonable alternative world view I wish you and your family the very best in 2025 and beyond

[goats]

Re: Justin Welby

I'm sure it's not normal for a grown adult to spend year on year promoting fairy stories, but if that continues to be his raison d'ętre in 2025 then at least it keeps him off the streets.

It doesn’t, he one of them on Queen street babbling the bible stuff Shirley

[goats]

Re: Justin Welby

"A laughable response............ As for your other ludicrous assertion..........it's equally laughable.......a person who is so deeply indoctrinated like you...............the scribblings whereby a donkey supposedly spoke the word of your god..........how ridiculous, parochial and myopic your points are.........."

One day you may realise why I gave you a hard time. Despite your constant mocking of God and myself and the lack of any reasonable alternative world view I wish you and your family the very best in 2025 and beyond

I can show you a differing view anytime you don’t have to talk nonsense to everyone, most of whom will be trying to avoid you right? We will still all end up in the same place….live and let live

[goats]

Re: Justin Welby

As far as I know I am probably the only other Christian who contributes to the CCMB. As I wrote in a post earlier this month I have deliberately chosen not to take part in any of the ping-pong interactions going on in this thread (and various others of recent times), not least because I have a life outside this MB! Basically I am repeating that earlier post here. I make no apologies for my faith nor whether others accept it or not – that's not my responsibility. Everyone who reads my posts related to faith matters has been exposed to the Christian message, so I have done my bit. What each person does with that knowledge is up to them!

There are some posters who, on faith matters, I simply ignore now as it's pointless to try to engage. There are others who at least are able to put together a reasoned paragraph in response rather than “it's all bollocks” for example. I notice that the main antagonist of the latter persuasion has recently disappeared – maybe he either got an Old Testament-style thunderbolt retribution or he repented and got taken up to heavy-metal heaven?

As TP says he does not anticipate much support and to win friends on the MB (same goes for me), as we are clearly in the minority, not just here but in the world in general. I suspect very few CCMB posters believe in Biblical prophecies but TP's quote from those very telling words of Jesus “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first” - that sounds remarkably accurate to me, as indeed does “there will be plenty of scoffers in the last days”.

I am just getting on with my life, trying my best to be a follower of Jesus, doing the things that he would expect me to do, not because I am seeking Brownie points, but out of love and respect for him. It is a relationship rather than a philosophy, a way of life not a hobby which I pursue just on a Sunday! I try to put my faith into action every day and that is my Christian witness to others i.e. judge me not by my words but by my actions - difficult on an Internet forum of course, a bit like trying to cover a snooker match on radio.

Jesus's teaching and his actions go straight to the heart of the human condition. I don't think he got too bothered about talking snakes or talking donkeys, or what age Noah lived to, in fact, he never mentions them as far as I know. He (Jesus) is far more interested in what is in the heart of each person as that is of the utmost importance to him, anything else like status, wealth, worldly knowledge and power are irrelevant. Love God and love your neighbour is easy to say, less so to put into practice, but that's the bottom line. God came into our world in the shape of Jesus and his teaching was (and indeed still is) unpalatable to many as it requires a significant change away from our selfish human behaviour, i.e. it requires repentance. The world has largely ignored his teaching, hence we are where we are, with starvation, wars, human trafficking, and civil unrest endemic in our world; and on a smaller scale, marriage breakdowns, broken homes, record numbers of children in care, prisons full to overflowing etc.

The ruling theocracy in Jesus's time tried to exterminate him and his early followers as they were a threat to their power and authority but failed on both counts as Christianity spread throughout the Roman empire and eventually the whole world. The irony that many people seem to overlook is that Jesus was anti-authority in his day, so talk of Christianity being created to suppress the masses is nonsense; he preached freedom which was anathema to the Jewish theocracy and led to his execution.

TP and I are “on the same page” as they say, only our responsive styles are different. I agree 100% with his statement “people who have no respect for the Bible are generally not used to hearing direct answers from people who are confident that the answers given by scripture are pertinent”; if that in turn comes across as arrogant in a world where everyone can create their own 'truth' then that's the way it is people!

BTW: Happy New Year to all - let each of us try to do our bit to make the world a little bit better in 2025!

My view on life is, if it makes YOU happy…..do it. That might have huge repercussions for your nearest and dearest, so if it works in this messed up world….continue on the path…..

[truthpaste]

Re: Justin Welby

I can show you a differing view anytime you don’t have to talk nonsense to everyone, most of whom will be trying to avoid you right? We will still all end up in the same place….live and let live

Same place. I await your insight on this topic...

[Gofer Blue]

Re: Justin Welby

I fully respect your civility on here regardless of our opposing views. You seem to be a gentleman and I wish you all the best in 2025

Thank you TBG. I think I would describe myself as a repentant sinner rather than a gentleman! Anyway, I hope my posts on aspects of Christianity have caused folk to at least stop and think about these things even if they ultimately reject them. That would be sad but we all have free will and of course the choices we make have consequences......!

[Gofer Blue]

Re: Justin Welby

My view on life is, if it makes YOU happy…..do it. That might have huge repercussions for your nearest and dearest, so if it works in this messed up world….continue on the path…..

That's an interesting statement which I often hear. It reminds me of a comment a relative once made to me when he said “I play golf on a Sunday and you go to church on a Sunday – you have your hobby and I have mine”. It begs the question – did I become a Christian simply to be happy?

I found this really well articulated response on the Internet which explains my situation exactly. I could not have expressed it any better myself:

First of all, being a Christian is not abiding by a set of rules but actually having a relationship with Christ and His Father, our Creator. His love is unmatched and infinite. When you read of how God sent His own Son to die for our sins, we realize how precious we are, even in our weaknesses, to God. This truth itself gives life meaning and joy (BTW there is a big difference between happiness and joy – my words. A discussion for another time!).

Secondly, it is the ultimate truth. People have always been on quests for truth and with time some of the most outlandish theories have been conceived. We have reached an age where a majority think that truth is subjective. (“Whatever is true for you” etc. - my words again). But the Bible is crystal clear on not only what the truth is, but how important truth is. Its principles are as relevant to our time as they were when they were first written.

Thirdly, and very importantly, it gives you purpose. When you're a Christian you recognize where you came from, who you ought to be and where you should strive to go. As you grow closer to God in faith, you understand what's truly important in life. In such a confused world, your mind is clear. You know of the things truly worth dying for. People's priorities have shifted to such trivial things; money, possessions, celebrity obsession etc. They waste their valuable time and abilities on that which profits them nothing. But when you devote yourself to Christ, you gain instant perspective on what's truly valuable and worthwhile. That is to first love God with all your heart and then to love people more than yourself. You empty yourself of pride and selfishness and go out to serve. This is what brings the true happiness and contentment to a persons life that so many are looking for.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: Justin Welby

Thank you TBG. I think I would describe myself as a repentant sinner rather than a gentleman! Anyway, I hope my posts on aspects of Christianity have caused folk to at least stop and think about these things even if they ultimately reject them. That would be sad but we all have free will and of course the choices we make have consequences......!

Ah, the consequences..... :-)

[Gofer Blue]

Re: Justin Welby

Ah, the consequences..... :-)

[truthpaste]

Re: Justin Welby

I can show you a differing view anytime you don’t have to talk nonsense to everyone, most of whom will be trying to avoid you right? We will still all end up in the same place….live and let live

Same place??

[jon1959]

Re: Justin Welby

Same place??

Dead. Ashes or feeding the worms. No consciousness. Blackness. Nothing. A fading memory for those we lived our lives with.

No fluffy clouds. No magic or fantasy re-birth or desperate dreams of paradise. No more brain washing or 'opium of the masses'.

As it is and always has been. As it should be!

[truthpaste]

Re: Justin Welby

Dead. Ashes or feeding the worms. No consciousness. Blackness. Nothing. A fading memory for those we lived our lives with.

No fluffy clouds. No magic or fantasy re-birth or desperate dreams of paradise. No more brain washing or 'opium of the masses'.

As it is and always has been. As it should be!

As it should be you say

More you and others like you hoping you won't give any account for your life!

Yet here you are every day, a man seeking JUSTICE in the World, mainly against Israel in 2024.
So have you given up on a correct place for justice?

[jon1959]

Re: Justin Welby

As it should be you say

More you and others like you hoping you won't give any account for your life!

Yet here you are every day, a man seeking JUSTICE in the World, mainly against Israel in 2024.
So have you given up on a correct place for justice?

Not at all.

'A correct place for justice' is The Hague (home of the International Criminal Court).

Hope that helps.