World War Three Countdown to Armageddon Thread

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Despite the long and rambling diatribe above from OM (most of the financial stuff I can't follow BTW), I can discern some basic truths in amongst it all. In addition to natural disasters whether caused by climate change or not, I believe the world is riding on the proverbial handcart to hell. I do not fear the future for myself as my days are numbered (having already passed the “three score years and ten” landmark etc.) but I do fear for my grandchildren's future and the world they will inherit.

Who would have thought there would be a major war in Europe at the start of the 21st century for example? A worldwide pandemic. Severe droughts in some parts and severe flooding in others. A global energy crisis. Persecution of minorities all over the place. Lack of morals amongst political leaders. Armed conflicts in so many places. Needless massive spending on armaments and defence which could be used for healthcare and improving the lot of humanity. Refugees fleeing conflicts. Homelessness. Drug and alcohol addiction. Food banks. Breakdown of family life.

As a Christian I believe that only the return of Jesus Christ will sort it all out and in the meantime there will be an inevitable period of severe tribulation, the signs of which are all around us. Mankind has rejected his teachings or distorted them for their own purposes, and now we are reaping what we have sown. Welcome to the brave new world chaps.

The concept of Jesus Christ is not that significant among even some of the major branches of Abrahamism and means little to Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus, atheists and millions of believers of minor religions - and if he didn't make an appearance during the holocaust when his own people were being murdered by the millions it's doubtful that he's going to pop up now for all and sundry.

[Gofer Blue]

The concept of Jesus Christ is not that significant among even some of the major branches of Abrahamism and means little to Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus, atheists and millions of believers of minor religions - and if he didn't make an appearance during the holocaust when his own people were being murdered by the millions it's doubtful that he's going to pop up now for all and sundry.

OK, by all means be doubtful, I'll just continue to believe. Jesus Christ is for everyone, whether they accept that or not is up to them.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

OK, by all means be doubtful, I'll just continue to believe. Jesus Christ is for everyone, whether they accept that or not is up to them.

What corroborative evidence (other than uncheckable and inconsistent Bible stories) of his life and teachings can you point me to?

[Gofer Blue]

What corroborative evidence (other than uncheckable and inconsistent Bible stories) of his life and teachings can you point me to?

It is not my job to convince you or anyone else of the reality of Jesus Christ. Like me, everyone has to make their own decision whether to accept him or reject him – there are no grey areas. If you want evidence in the scientific sense then yes, you will be disappointed. I remember someone once gave an example about evidence – how can you actually provide evidence that your spouse loves you? Yes they may look after you when you are ill, they may say they love you, they may go out of their way to be kind to you and give you special gifts. Isn't it just possible that it's all an elaborate act in the hope that one day you will die before them and they will inherit all your wealth and possessions? Pretty unthinkable isn't it? So I believe it is the same with Jesus. What did he have to gain personally by claiming that he loved all peoples and went around healing folk and urging them to repent and become better people? Answer: nothing. There could be no other motivation other than he genuinely loved people and could only foresee disaster ahead if they did not repent.

In the end of course there has to be a step of faith, but not blind faith. If you knew me then you would know how my life has changed since coming to faith but you don't.

The New Testament is all you need. Yes there are different accounts in the four main gospels but to me that only serves to confirm their authenticity. If these were manufactured accounts then you would expect the author(s) to make very sure that they all matched in every detail. Obviously a lot of the detail cannot be “checked” retrospectively as the authors would have collated verbal statements from eye witnesses who were still alive at the time.

All I know is the world would be a far better place if everyone just followed the example of Jesus even if they reject the notion that he was God incarnate. But as I said in my reply to OM's contribution they have rejected him, so here we are reaping what we sow. It will not end well I fear.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

It is not my job to convince you or anyone else of the reality of Jesus Christ. Like me, everyone has to make their own decision whether to accept him or reject him – there are no grey areas. If you want evidence in the scientific sense then yes, you will be disappointed. I remember someone once gave an example about evidence – how can you actually provide evidence that your spouse loves you? Yes they may look after you when you are ill, they may say they love you, they may go out of their way to be kind to you and give you special gifts. Isn't it just possible that it's all an elaborate act in the hope that one day you will die before them and they will inherit all your wealth and possessions? Pretty unthinkable isn't it? So I believe it is the same with Jesus. What did he have to gain personally by claiming that he loved all peoples and went around healing folk and urging them to repent and become better people? Answer: nothing. There could be no other motivation other than he genuinely loved people and could only foresee disaster ahead if they did not repent.

In the end of course there has to be a step of faith, but not blind faith. If you knew me then you would know how my life has changed since coming to faith but you don't.

The New Testament is all you need. Yes there are different accounts in the four main gospels but to me that only serves to confirm their authenticity. If these were manufactured accounts then you would expect the author(s) to make very sure that they all matched in every detail. Obviously a lot of the detail cannot be “checked” retrospectively as the authors would have collated verbal statements from eye witnesses who were still alive at the time.

All I know is the world would be a far better place if everyone just followed the example of Jesus even if they reject the notion that he was God incarnate. But as I said in my reply to OM's contribution they have rejected him, so here we are reaping what we sow. It will not end well I fear.

Are you aware that many of the stories in the Bible were lifted from pre-existing religions and that the gospels are indeed contradictory? Not that it really matters as the gospels weren't written by Jesus.