Rooster7

Packsaddle, I don't know what goes on inside the head of a newborn. Certainly, whatever bad thoughts they could possibly have, pale in comparison to any adult's dark thoughts. That said, from what Ive witnessed, it's a short ride between birth and the first sign of selfish thought - whether that be screams and tears for attention from one's crib or a two year olds temper tantrum for a toy - our self-centeredness becomes evident quite quickly. Also, I challenge anyone who claims that we have pure thoughts as young children, to reach back in their memories and try to recall their o

To make the question clear, you need to put it in context. Did you mean to say Is man good or bad inherently, in terms of honorable thought and given an absolute standard such as Gods Word. If so, I think with the smallest amount of introspection, every man knows the answer to that question. If there is no absolute standard, whos to say what is good and what is bad?

"Somebody got to decide that 2+2=4. What can't 2+2=22?" Hops, I'm not sure what your point is, but... its difficult, if not impossible, to taint mathematics with politics or one's agenda. It is what it is. On the other hand, history is often and regularly re-invented by those empowered to create/impose change. Over the last 50 years, the historical depiction of events like WWII seems to be in a constant state of flux. Shortly afterwards, the vast majority of Americans recognized WWII as one of the worlds darkness moments (of course), but it was also an event that unified th

True enough. That should give us more reason to be concerned, not less. Is it a good thing, to have a singular congruent perspective on history presented in the public schools? If you adamantly believe that perspective is true, then I suppose it is. However, if you believe that perspective is being colored to meet the desires and goals of those empowered to determine curriculum, then its not.

I'm pretty sure the Grand Canyon was created by the dragging knuckles of evolutionary man. ;-) Okay so now the government gets to license those who recite history. Who gets to decide what the true facts are? How did WWII start? Why did we leave Vietnam? What were the origins of the Civil War? Why did we get involve in Afghanistan and Iran? What was 9-11 about? Gee all those should be easy to clarify to the public, right? Im sure theres only one way to tell those facts and everyone (at least the vast majority of Americans) will be completely harmonious as to w

Amen. ;-)

I think there is a fairly robust set of systems in place to ensure the public is not duped/injured by bad doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants. Thats not to say it doesnt happen but there are safeguards. I understand the need for standards in these professions. OGE, I have the opposite concern. Once you allow government to declare absolute knowledge in one area (and pass laws to enforce the same), then you run the risk of government enforcing its views in every aspect of your life. Consequently, we should be very careful about what areas of our lives we allow (i.e. sil

Merlyn, I'm against the government telling schools what they can teach. And yes, I'm against the government deciding what schools receive accreditation. Employers will figure out in short order which schools they like or dislike, with or without the government providing accreditation. And likewise, that information (what schools employers like or dislike) will become public knowledge quickly. The accreditation process serves no real purpose but to provide the government with another vehicle of controlanother governmental power which can be abused and leveraged to someones personal and

There have always been disagreements about what occurred in the past. All of human history can and has been a source of debate. Its not our governments job to control what can be publicly stated and promoted as historical truth. If there is a dispute and someone suffers damages, I have no problem with the government acting as an arbitrator (i.e. preside over a civil suit), but they should never regulate our speech. This is such a slippery slope. The next step will be to regulate historical accuracy in private schoolsthen home schools...then homes. Eventually well be told that we ha

GB, I think you're making the assumption that the city of Philadelphia hired the guides. That's probably not the case. If the city did hire them, then of course they have a right to impose a standard. In fact, I don't think there would be a law suit. The city could simply fire them for being inadequate for the job. However, in this story, I believe it's being reported that the city is requiring any person for hire to pass a history test, including independent contractors (like a horse and carriage guide). That being the case, I adamantly oppose this new law. It is an infringe

I agree that restrictions should be applied. I just don't agree it should be based on religion or proselytizing. The WBC shouldn't be allowed to participate in such a program - not because of their faith (whatever that might be), but because of their antagonistic tactics and history of bad behavior.

GB, Westboro Baptist Church? Thats a strawman argument. Please they do violate the standards of every community I know. And, they are hardly typical of Christian churches and the Christian community in general. Merlyn, I missed your point or did you miss mine? Yes, Im aware of the BSA membership criteria. But are you suggesting that they would use those criteria to decide who gets help in a disaster? Thanks OGE - my opponents don't need any additional help...that's for sure. ;-) (This message has been edited by Rooster7)

However, the recipients of those services should not have to bow to the will of the provider, including proselytizing. I presume that youre referring to providers whose services are augmented by the government (as opposed to providers who accept no federal funding). If so, that is a popular opinion. Still, I think it depends on how much augmenting the government is doing. For example, lets say theres a disaster. Option 1, the federal government can utilize their own resources and feed 100 people for $200. Option 2, they can supplement a church group with $50 and feed the same 100 pe

If you're old for remembering who I am...how old does that make me?

I'll say it: Homosexuality is a sin. If you think that equates to hate, you're ignoring simple English and introducing your own bias. The vast majority of believers I have ever encountered and witnessed (via the media and everyday life), do not hate homosexuals or any other sinner. In fact, we all sin. That said we (believers) are called to recognize and confront sin in our own lives, and to make others aware of Gods teachings. And the Bible clearly teaches that homosexuality is a sin. That said - what the WBC is doing, does not qualify as "teaching" and e

No matter where you come down on the "issue" of homosexuality, I think most would agree that this group is very deluded. So much so, their faith appears to be motivated solely by hate.

You know youre getting old when . . . when your doctor asks, Have you ever had the pleasure of a colonoscopy?

I believe you Merlyn... ;-)

Do you think every single atheist in the world is just pretending? That there are no genuine atheist materialists? I believe that deep down inside (consciously or subconsciously), everyone knows that God exists and/or they dont want to conduct a real search because they're afraid (consciously or subconsciously) that they may have to give up something, like the pleasure of their current lifestyle, or the comfort that some find in knowing that nothing comes after death. Beavah point taken. Though, Im not sure how long God calls out to those who hear but refuse to listen or who can se

Does love and hate exists? Does good and evil? Is the essence of Merlyn a bag of bones, a few pints of blood, some flesh, and a collection of random thoughts? I dont believe you. I dont believe that you cannot see your own soulyour own spirit. Theres more there and I cant help but believe youre pretending otherwise. Close your eyes long enough and you really will go blind

Just have your invisible friend show up sometime. Only you can make that happen. Alas, I cannot imagine how a skeptics heart will draw a response from God Almighty. I dont claim to speak for Him, but I have to believe (from His Word and from the Spirit He gives me) you need to cast aside all of your pride and stand naked before Him, as a sinner - we all know everyone of us is. Im sure that last phase will draw some fire from someone on this forum. But you know folks; if you refuse to recognize the darkness in your own hearts, then how can you expect God to acknowledge you? And

Aha...but you do have doubt. ;-) And from a little seed... Sure would like to have you on this side of the fence. Your powers of persuasion and logic are truly gifts from... (Well, you know who).

So Merlyn - do you see death as being your final experiment? Certainly, no amount of experimentation in your lifetime will prove your theory correct - i.e. God does not exist.

Merlyn, Well, I disagree, given that god has rules for the proper way to keep and hold slaves, just for one example. Your inference appears to be - God (the God of the Bible) endorses slavery. I not only disagreebut I further assert that this supposition demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of God and His Word. We, Gods children, exist in a fallen world. Gods instructions for us have many purposes (and this is especially true in the OT before His plan for our salvation was fully revealed). For example, see Matthew 19:3-9: 3Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They as

Tell a lie long enough and good people will believe it as the truth or something like that. Not sure who said it, but Ive seen that occur in my lifetime many times over especially by politicos who have an axe to grind. Bush may have told a lie or two I wouldnt put my life up for grabs based on anyones ability to be wholly honest all the time. That said - I dont believe hes guilty of the big lies that many accuse him of uttering. I know the accusations so please dont list them for me again. I also know that there have been plenty of reinterpretations made to portray Bush as the pers