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Happy Easter HROT! He is risen!

He is risen!

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The evidence for the historical existence of Jesus primarily comes from several sources, both within and outside of Christian texts:

1. **New Testament**: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, along with other New Testament writings, provide accounts of Jesus' life, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection. While these texts are religious in nature, they are also considered historical documents by many scholars.

2. **Non-Christian Sources**: Several ancient historians and writers mention Jesus or early Christians in their works. These include the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, the Roman historian Tacitus, the Greek writer Mara bar Serapion, and the Roman governor Pliny the Younger. While their references to Jesus are brief, they provide additional external confirmation of his existence.

3. **Archaeological Evidence**: While there is no direct archaeological evidence of Jesus himself, archaeological discoveries have confirmed the existence of places, people, and events mentioned in the Bible, lending indirect support to the historical narrative.

4. **Early Christian Writings**: Aside from the New Testament, early Christian writings such as the letters of Paul and the writings of early Church Fathers like Ignatius of Antioch and Clement of Rome refer to Jesus and early Christian beliefs, providing additional historical context.

5. **Consensus Among Scholars**: The majority of historians and scholars, both religious and secular, agree that Jesus of Nazareth was a historical figure who lived in the first century CE and was the founder of Christianity. While there may be debates about specific details of his life and teachings, his existence as a historical figure is widely accepted.

Overall, while the evidence for the historical Jesus is not as extensive as for some other ancient figures, it is considered sufficient by most historians to conclude that Jesus was a real person who lived in Palestine in the early first century and played a significant role in the emergence of Christianity.
 
Accepting Christ means acknowledging that because of one’s sinful nature, the only way humanity can reconcile with God is because Jesus paid our penalty.
Why can't God just forgive my sins?
If God is truly just and good it should be within his power and nature to forgive sin. The staged sacrifice of his son seems unnecessary.
 
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Why can't God just forgive my sins?
If God is truly just and good it should be within his power and nature to forgive sin. The staged sacrifice of his son seems unnecessary.

The concept of sin has a complex and multifaceted history, deeply rooted in various religious and philosophical traditions. Here's a brief overview:

1. **Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt**: The earliest recorded civilizations had notions of wrongdoing or transgressions against gods or divine laws. In Mesopotamia, for example, the concept of "sin" was intertwined with religious beliefs, where individuals could anger gods by violating their commands or disrupting cosmic order.

2. **Ancient Hebrews**: The concept of sin in Judaism developed further with the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). In the Hebrew Scriptures, sin (Hebrew: חַטָּאָה, ḥaṭṭā’āh) is portrayed as disobedience to God's commandments, leading to estrangement from God and the community. The Torah outlines various types of sins and prescribes rituals for atonement.

3. **Ancient Greece**: In ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Plato and Aristotle, sin was often discussed in terms of moral wrongdoing or the failure to live up to moral ideals. This philosophical perspective emphasized personal responsibility and the pursuit of virtue.

4. **Early Christianity**: With the emergence of Christianity, the concept of sin took on new theological dimensions. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, discussed sin as inherent to human nature due to the Fall of Adam and Eve, leading to a state of spiritual separation from God. Christian theology further developed the idea of original sin, inherited guilt from Adam's disobedience.

5. **Medieval Christianity**: During the Middle Ages, Christian theologians such as Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas elaborated on the doctrine of sin, emphasizing its gravity and the need for repentance and redemption through Christ. The Church played a central role in defining and regulating sinful behavior, often wielding significant social and political influence.

6. **Islam**: In Islam, sin (Arabic: ذَنْب, dhanb) is viewed as a violation of Allah's commands as revealed in the Quran and the Hadith. Islamic jurisprudence delineates various types of sins and prescribes methods of repentance and forgiveness.

7. **Eastern Religions**: In traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, concepts similar to sin exist but may be understood differently. In Hinduism, for example, the concept of karma governs the consequences of one's actions, which can be positive or negative, affecting future lives. Buddhism emphasizes the idea of suffering (dukkha) caused by attachment and ignorance, with practices aimed at overcoming these root causes.

Throughout history, the concept of sin has evolved and been interpreted in diverse ways across different cultures and religious traditions, shaping moral and ethical codes and influencing individuals' understanding of morality, guilt, and redemption.
 
your mom has risen and then she bobbed back down, and then risen and bobbed backed down, and so on.
 
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Excellent church service

going to go watch king vs Godzilla to get ready for LSU rematch tomorrow

have a great day boyz
 
Excellent church service

going to go watch king vs Godzilla to get ready for LSU rematch tomorrow

have a great day boyz
Kong v Godzilla almost the same as Jesus v the Romans. Save money and go to the late session.
 
The issue of moral depravity within the Catholic Church has been a topic of significant controversy and scrutiny throughout history. Here are some key points to consider:

1. **Historical Context**: The Catholic Church, as one of the oldest and most influential religious institutions in the world, has faced numerous scandals and instances of moral wrongdoing over the centuries. These range from abuses of power by clergy members to institutional corruption and cover-ups.

2. **Sexual Abuse Scandals**: One of the most prominent and troubling issues within the Catholic Church in recent times has been the revelation of widespread sexual abuse of minors by clergy members. These scandals, which have come to light in various parts of the world, have involved allegations of priests sexually abusing children and vulnerable individuals, often with accusations of cover-ups and failure to address the problem effectively.

3. **Response and Accountability**: The Catholic Church's response to instances of moral depravity has varied over time and has been a subject of criticism. While efforts have been made to address and prevent abuses, including implementing safeguarding policies and procedures, many have argued that the response has been inadequate, and perpetrators have not always been held accountable or adequately punished.

4. **Impact on Faith and Trust**: The revelations of moral depravity within the Catholic Church have had a profound impact on the faith of many Catholics and on public trust in the institution. These scandals have caused immense harm to victims and their families, as well as eroded confidence in the Church's moral authority and credibility.

5. **Reforms and Renewal Efforts**: In response to the scandals and criticism, the Catholic Church has undertaken various reforms and renewal efforts aimed at addressing issues of moral depravity and restoring trust. These include measures to increase transparency, improve accountability, and provide support for victims of abuse.

Overall, while the Catholic Church has a rich history of spiritual and charitable work, instances of moral depravity within its ranks have tarnished its reputation and raised important questions about accountability, transparency, and the protection of the vulnerable. Addressing these issues remains an ongoing challenge for the Church as it seeks to uphold its moral teachings and regain the trust of its followers and the wider community.
 
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There is no empirical evidence supporting either the belief that Jesus was the Son of God or the belief that he was a werewolf. Both claims fall outside the realm of empirical inquiry and scientific evidence, as they pertain to matters of faith, theology, and mythology rather than testable hypotheses.

The belief that Jesus was the Son of God is a central tenet of Christian faith, rooted in religious texts, traditions, and theological interpretations. It is based on faith rather than empirical evidence, as it pertains to supernatural and transcendent matters that cannot be empirically verified.

Similarly, the belief that Jesus was a werewolf is not supported by empirical evidence. Werewolves are mythical creatures found in folklore and fiction, and the idea of Jesus being a werewolf is based on speculative interpretations and fringe theories rather than historical or scientific evidence.

In summary, claims about Jesus being the Son of God or a werewolf are matters of belief, interpretation, and cultural mythology rather than empirical facts. They belong to the realm of religion, spirituality, and folklore rather than scientific inquiry.

They deserve the same level of belief
 
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Why can't God just forgive my sins?
If God is truly just and good it should be within his power and nature to forgive sin. The staged sacrifice of his son seems unnecessary.
You’re right, God is just.

The penalty of sin is death. For God to be just, there must be blood atonement. Your blood.

But, since God is just and loves us all. He stepped into human form and bled and died for our sins to save us.

He is risen! Happy Easter!
 
Here are some examples of evils perpetuated by individuals and institutions claiming to represent Christianity over the past 2000 years:

1. **Crusades**: One of the most notorious examples of violence in the name of Christianity is the Crusades, a series of military campaigns sanctioned by the Catholic Church to retake the Holy Land from Muslim control. The Crusades resulted in significant loss of life, destruction, and suffering for both Christians and non-Christians alike.

2. **Inquisition**: The Spanish Inquisition, established in the late 15th century, aimed to enforce religious orthodoxy and root out heresy within Catholic territories. It was characterized by torture, forced confessions, and executions of individuals deemed to be enemies of the faith.

3. **Colonialism and Imperialism**: Christian European powers, such as Spain, Portugal, and England, engaged in colonial expansion and imperialism, often using religion to justify the subjugation and exploitation of indigenous peoples in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This resulted in widespread cultural destruction, forced conversions, and the displacement of indigenous populations.

4. **Persecution of Heretics and Dissenters**: Throughout history, various Christian denominations have persecuted individuals and groups deemed heretical or divergent from mainstream beliefs. This includes the persecution of Jews, witches, Protestants, and other religious minorities, often leading to discrimination, violence, and marginalization.

5. **Support for Slavery and Oppression**: Some Christian leaders and institutions have historically supported or justified systems of slavery and oppression, citing biblical passages and theological interpretations to justify the subjugation of certain racial or ethnic groups. This has perpetuated racial inequality and social injustice.

6. **Violence and Intolerance**: Christianity has been associated with violence and intolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and other marginalized groups, often based on interpretations of religious doctrine. This has contributed to discrimination, stigma, and violence against these communities.

7. **Cultural Imperialism**: Christian missionaries and evangelists have sometimes been accused of imposing Western cultural values and norms on indigenous cultures, leading to the erosion of traditional beliefs, languages, and customs. This has resulted in cultural assimilation and loss of cultural identity for many indigenous peoples.

8. **Religious Wars and Conflicts**: Throughout history, religious differences have fueled wars and conflicts between Christian denominations and with other religious groups, resulting in bloodshed, division, and suffering.
 
Easter changes every year due to a couple reasons…..

I know why it changes but Christmas is celebrated on a day that has nothing to do with when Jesus was supposedly born. Just pick a day. The spring equinox would be great since it would coincide with the decision to pair Christmas with the winter solstice. And it has the benefit of changing every once in a while so the indeterminists could remain happy.
 
I know why it changes but Christmas is celebrated on a day that has nothing to do with when Jesus was supposedly born. Just pick a day. The spring equinox would be great since it would coincide with the decision to pair Christmas with the winter solstice. And it has the benefit of changing every once in a while so the indeterminists could remain happy.
Yep. The ancient winter Solstice pagan and polytheist European celebration definitely morphed into Christmas. The interesting thing is to me Easter and the resurrection should have emerged as the bigger of two as far as a static holiday and celebration but there is not even an official holiday for Good Friday in many countries including US and the date moves. Much of that ties to the thousands of years of celebrating the winter solstice and taking time to wind down for the next three months of hard core winter.
 
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A small band of people from the boonies, armed with little more than a story, managed to overtake the greatest empire the world had known. Something to that, it seems to me.
The adoption of the religion by successfully empires facilities it's expansion. Islam and Buddhism also started our small and expanded rapidly.
 
The adoption of the religion by successfully empires facilities it's expansion. Islam and Buddhism also started our small and expanded rapidly.
I don’t think you can compare the expansion of Christianity to Islam or Buddhism.

Islam spread by the sword.

Buddhism is relatively tiny compared to Islam & Christianity.

Christianity initially spread during a time of Jewish & Roman persecution. Persecution that lasted a very long time. Christianity spread tremendously first without the need of a Roman emperor co-opting it.
 
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The advancement of human religion from polytheism to monotheism and beyond reflects a complex interplay of cultural, social, political, and philosophical factors across different civilizations and historical periods. Here's an overview of this progression:

1. **Polytheism**: Polytheism, the belief in multiple gods and goddesses, was prevalent in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In polytheistic societies, deities were often associated with natural phenomena, human emotions, and specific aspects of life, and worship practices included rituals, sacrifices, and festivals dedicated to various gods and goddesses.

2. **Henotheism and Monolatry**: As societies evolved, some cultures began to emphasize the worship of a single deity while acknowledging the existence of other gods. This transitional phase, known as henotheism or monolatry, is exemplified in the early Hebrew religion, where Yahweh emerged as the national god of Israel while other gods were recognized by neighboring peoples.

3. **Monotheism**: Monotheism, the belief in a single, supreme deity, represents a significant advancement in religious thought. It emerged prominently in ancient Judaism with the development of strict monotheistic theology, emphasizing the uniqueness, transcendence, and omnipotence of the God of Israel. Monotheism also played a central role in the emergence of Christianity and Islam, both of which emphasize the worship of one God and reject the existence of other deities.

4. **Philosophical and Mystical Traditions**: Alongside monotheistic religions, various philosophical and mystical traditions emerged that explored deeper questions about the nature of divinity, existence, and the cosmos. In ancient Greece, philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle pondered the existence of a supreme being or cosmic order, while in India, mystical traditions like Vedanta and Yoga sought union with the ultimate reality (Brahman) beyond the realm of gods and goddesses.

5. **Modern Religions and Secularism**: In the modern era, monotheistic religions have continued to evolve and adapt to changing cultural, social, and intellectual trends. While traditional monotheistic beliefs remain influential for millions of people worldwide, secularism, atheism, and agnosticism have also gained prominence, challenging traditional religious authority and providing alternative perspectives on spirituality, ethics, and meaning.

6. **Pluralism and Interfaith Dialogue**: In today's interconnected world, the advancement of human religion extends to fostering greater understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among diverse religious traditions. Pluralism, the recognition and acceptance of religious diversity, has become increasingly important, leading to initiatives such as interfaith dialogue, ecumenism, and efforts to promote peace and harmony among different religious communities.

Overall, the advancement of human religion from polytheism to monotheism and beyond reflects the dynamic and multifaceted nature of human spirituality, as well as the ongoing quest for meaning, truth, and transcendence throughout human history. Whether through monotheism, polytheism, philosophy, mysticism, or secularism, individuals and societies continue to explore the mysteries of existence and seek deeper connections with the divine.
 
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