Kinda bummed...the girl I was getting along w/ on here has been deactivated...such is the life of online "life" I guess.

Abracadabra,
We agree on your first point. There are so many contradictions and just plain out heinous actions by a so called loving God that I have great difficulty with the Old Testament too.
As for your second point, I am in no way a fundamentalist. Like I say, I do not believe in a literal interpretation of the bible's every word.
Point three, I plead ignorance on. I do not know enough to comment on that.
See, we agree on a lot of things and I am always willing to learn new stuff.

Jeannie,

Why do you believe Christianity has flourished for so long?

Abracadabra,

I am not saying I have faith in what the stories say actually happened. I put my faith more in the message. As I get older, my views change. I believe that there is good in all religions. I have Native blood in me and respect their views on life. I think it is really where you feel most comfortable and I hate to say it but get the most out of it, remembering that all these books: Christian, etc. were written by men and I'll be the first to admit we dont always get it right.
Ps. Thanks for making me feel welcome.

Maybe I do not belong in this discussion. You are all so well-versed. However, I have to add my 2 cents on the original question of who wrote the New Testament. It was said a secret society wrote it I believe. Let me pose a question about secret societies. If they are quote secret, how do we really know? I have read my share of books on secret societies and am amazed at how much info there is on different groups. With the Bible, I believe it was written by people who believed in Jesus' message. Like someone else said, why the inconsistencies? Who these people were, I do not think we will ever know. That is why it is called "faith." Do I belong in this discussion?

Opie

Magnum PI

Maroon 5

INXS

Heather

Inception

Mr. Price, I could not agree more with your last statement...you are right on.

Well Shiki, I'll give my two cents worth even though I was told never to debate religion or politics. Your original question was believing in "God." Somehow it got to be a debate about Christianity. I confess I haven't read all 33 pages. However, I believe it all depends on what the definition of God is. I was raised Catholic, explored other faiths, and have come to realize that I think they all have their faults. That is why it is called faith. I believe in a God. I do not know how to define him (or her) but there has to be something much bigger than me. Evolution can not be proved because their is no missing link between the "ape" and us. Furthermore, all our organs and systems had to evolve at exactly the same time if evolution is accurate. Try taking one away. So, in closing, believing in a "God" makes more sense to me than believing in evolution.

Ps. You have some really good questions and perspective on things.

Unmotivated...it's Saturday for one and it is cold. In need of some warm fuzzy thoughts to get me going today.

That was a heartwarming story. I'm glad things are turning out well for you and your son. I understand and respect the premise of the original question here, but sometimes it is just better to sit back and appreciate the good that comes into our lives and not question where it came from or why...Know what I mean?

Marker by Robin Cook...you will never want to go into a hospital again!

never marry the only girl in a family w/ 3 older brothers and a mean mother...wait I did...Brad<---divorced!

CONGRATS! Supposed to be a cigar