Welcome to my blog. My goal here is to convey what I've learned from the teachings of Christ and apply it to all aspects of life. A lot of the things that I will write may not be popular to members of various denominations of Christianity, other faiths and lack of faiths. This is of no concern to me. My goal is to achieve shared knowledge that over time can result in illuminating and thought provoking dialog where we can all start to move in a direction where we can be productive in our lives and be beneficial to each other. And if this happens, I believe we will all be striving for what Christ preached, which was Love, Tolerance and Forgiveness.
As with any believer of a faith, I believe that I've got it right. I believe that what I know cannot be contradicted, cannot be disputed, and if my knowledge is understood, it will eventually make a lot of sense to the reader. This will take time. This will have to be tested. We will have many debates. This experience will come down to three possibilities:
1. We remain the same no matter what.
2. You convince me that I'm wrong and show me the errors in my belief.
3. You see what I see, and you jump on board.
Until the next post,
Botts
18 comments:
I dont know if you would recognize, but I am the Cack on DD's blog.
I would add a fourth possiblility. You change without any external bias. In other words, no one changes your perceptions, but you realize for yourself that something is wrong.
Its not up to me to try to convince anyone of anything. I will present my viewpoint, and you are at liberty to agree with me or not. Either way, I'm in for the discussion.
Well, Botts, I'm here.
I had some clever stuff to say -but - Cack beat me to it :-)
I'm glad to see the debate carry on, even if it is a few different places.
I'm in, too.
Botts, even though I no longer identify myself as a Christian, you'll find I am more "fer ya then agin' ya".
For some reason, a lot of atheists and agnostics ask me what event in my life changed my mind. Christians tend to word it differently and ask me what happened for me to lose my faith, but the premise seems to be the same...both groups assume it was one event that made me do an about face.
I suppose it is more dramatic to imagine I had some sort of Paulesque epiphany, but the truth is that the change happened slowly over many many years. Some of it was due to the actions of others, some of it was due to new or redefined information, and the rest was due to changes within my own spirit. What I can say for certain is that it was NOT due to someone convincing me of the "error of my ways", which is why I am not likely to try to convince anyone of anything. I can't say that I have EVER seen an argument convince anyone of a spiritual direction, no matter how logical that argument might be.
Stefan, Mac and Kodiak, thanks for stopping by. I'm looking forward to the future.
My "errors of my belief" statement is mainly directed at Christians, as I feel they will be the ones trying. The Atheists will just debate the points, and I appreciate that.
I'm anxious to understand more about you as we go on.
I don't know if I can be a substitute to Dinesh's blog, but I will certainly be putting up thoughtful posts.
Thanks guys.
I'll be posting soon.
I like the statement:
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As with any believer of a faith, I believe that I've got it right. I believe that what I know cannot be contradicted, cannot be disputed, and if my knowledge is understood, it will eventually make a lot of sense to the reader.
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I believe otherwise, BUT I feel you believe this very much.
That's why you're OK Botts....you can accept my non-belief, yet still believe I am a decent person. I feel the same of you :-) ....petty arguements from me aside
Hi there Botts! The place looks great! I really like it, and your statement on the front page.
I'll be back from time to time, for certain.
Best to you, and good luck!
Brian
Mac,
Believe me, I'm not done with you yet big boy!!
Godless,
Between the two of us, we should rock it out. We'll keep them busy.
"That's why you're OK Botts....you can accept my non-belief, yet still believe I am a decent person."
Mac said it best - the fact that you can in your heart accept someone for who they are, not only what they believe. I aspire to be more like that although I still have problems, usually when faced with someone who treats me differently - even knowing that my morals are just the same as theirs.
Botts, My heart is gladdened to see you doing this blog. I feel you will touch many people in ways that will make a difference in their lives. May the spirit of truth speak through you so many will find the joy, and life you have found. I am looking forward to participating in the following discussions.
Hey Botts! Congrats on your blog!!!
Heya Botts!
Looks interesting. Glad to see you're around and have put your writing about your faith to good use.
I have stayed far away from Dinesh's BS blog for many reasons, mainly time as of late, but also the content over the past few months has been even more shite than usual. It's become intolerable.
Great place to have good discussions here, and thanks for the invite!
Brandon
Botts; nice site. I just wanted to tell everyone that I've really enjoyed discussing and debating life, the universe and everything over the last year or so on Dinesh's blog. Posting there now feels a little like standing on an embassy roof, waiting for a helicopter.
I look forward to many more debates and discussions.
Take care
PS: TJ, I think your morals are much better than anyone who would treat you differently because of your beliefs.
Botts,
I want to understand where you are coming from, it is not my intent to offend you. You do not consider yourself a "Christian", but you apparently beleive in the Lord, I can understand not carrying the title because it has become a very loose term. Do you believe the Bible is the living word of God? Are you a follower of Christ?
Hebrews 12:2
P.W.
"I want to understand where you are coming from, it is not my intent to offend you. You do not consider yourself a "Christian", but you apparently beleive in the Lord, I can understand not carrying the title because it has become a very loose term. Do you believe the Bible is the living word of God? Are you a follower of Christ?"
Anonymous,
I suggest you read my posts. That would answer all of your questions.
I am a Christian. I'm proud of it, and I love calling myself one.
I am not an Insitutionalized Christian meaning I'm not part of any man made denomination.
I also explain how to understand the Word of God.
Pay attention.
I'm a follower of Christ's Teachings and believe in Him. After living and doing what he expects of us as instructed in Matthew, the Holy Spirit has taught me and guided me on how to understand Scripture.
If you can't do the basic things that are called upon you, you will never meet the Holy Spirit that is within all of us, and you will never understand the Teachings.
You will simply rely on Man to tell you what they interpret. You have to do the leg work.
And once that is accomplished, you will be able to see for yourself who is giving you bad fruit and who isn't.
Botts,
I have read your posts and do pay attention. I am, however, careful with what I read online. AMEN to your relpy. I believe I will enjoy reading your posts and view points. I cannot agree more with you on the Insitutionalized Christian. To many people today are bench warmers and do not do the leg work! Many do not open or study their bibles today to prove what they have heard over the pulpit, is even true, the whole truth. Thanks for your reply!
P.W.
P.W.,
Thanks so much for getting back to me. I am blessed that you have read my posts, and I look forward to putting more out there.
My goal is to make people think. I always state that my first priority is to witness to fellow Christians first. Many are following the Open Path, and need to truly look within themselves. It is a cancer that is growing.
The Bible Belt is saturated with this crap. If just one person understands and does the leg work with my help, it will be worth it.
I would appreciate it if you could refer my blog to others.
I welcome the debates and conversations.
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