₦airaland Forum

Once upon a time, a long long time ago, in a place long forgotten -

belloti:
But the Sheikh replied in a calm voice, “ You see, on my way here, there was a river to cross. I waited for the boat, but I could not see one. All of a sudden, a nearby tree walked towards the river bank and fell down in front of me. The bark peeled off automatically and started to chop itself into planks, all by itself. Then the bits and the planks began to fix itself and formed into a beautiful boat. I quickly got into the boat and it started to row, all by itself. This is how I got here.”

The disbeliever laughed and told all the muslims, “What kind of Sheikh have you elected as your speaker ? He is insane ! How can a tree walk ? How can a tree peel itself ? How can a tree chop itself an and form into a boat ?”
Then Sheikh spoke : “ This is just what I wanted to hear ! Just as a tree can’t form itself into a boat, how can the sun rise all by itself in the morning at its exact time ? How can it set each evening at its correct moment and place ?

Apparently the sheikh hadn't heard of the movements of the Earth (with the orbiting and the revolutions, and the Sun not the one doing the "rising" and "falling". Pity.

Who makes us breathe in air and who makes our heart beat ?”

Er, no one?

The disbeliever bowed down his head – he was speechless and he had no answer.

You're lying. Disbelievers usually have more sense than that. I'm just saying.

“Allah, of course ! He is the Creator of the entire Universe,” the Sheikh said.

Such was the effect of the Sheikh’s words and his beautiful invitation to Islam, that many of the disbelievers became muslims at the hands of the Sheikh.

- and they all lived happily ever after. The End. Fin.

michelin89:
What will you do if after you have spent your entire life being a devoted Christian, Muslim, Jew or anyother religion follower, you find out that the god you believed in is not actually the right one?

In my opinion you all will rot in hell just like us who never believed in any god. The difference will be that we all already knew our fate but I guess it will be great shock for you!

Lol, probably look for Pascal and beat the shit out of him (even though poor interpretation might have played a part). Anyway, I'm not going to any hell.

P.S. I chose I'd kill myself again - I take your reality and substitute it with mine.

jerrymania:
Those of you that believe in the evolution theory now answer this "can something come out from nothing"?

What does that have to do with the theory of evolution? Anyway, yes. Now for another poorly thought out cliche, where did your God come from?

clemsonfan:
Which theory do you believe and why, Evolutionary theory or the Creation Theory?

The thread is on the first page: https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-11284.0.html

clemsonfan:
I believe in the creation theory. Not just because I'm a Baptist christian, but because the evolution theory has so many gaps that are unexplained.

Okay, I'll humour you. What are some of the many gaps in the theory of evolution, and how are they explained by the "creation theory"? In fact, why not start off telling us about the "creation theory", and explain the evidence for it.

mrpataki: Actually went further to know the true meaning of Religion in itself, this is what I got out:

1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

Like Christianity.

2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.

4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.

5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.

I could probably understand someone arguing that atheistic Buddhism isn't a religion, but to say Christianity isn't a religion just beggars belief (no pune intended). Then again, I suppose in the ever important fight to make one's beliefs stand out from the crowd and possess something one imagines the others don't have, crazy will spring eternal.

No where was it mentioned of a personal relationship with ones maker! Which is the sole aim of Christianity! Unlike all other religions that we have around us today.

Well you guys have pretty much tried to kill or ignore Hellenism; have trouble understanding Hinduism (the kind that preaches oneness of spirit with Brahma), and don't even care to know about Sikhism. Bleh!

On the other hand, I wonder if other religions can use spurious claims about characteristics they have but others don't, to remove themselves from the religion label. That would be a hoot.

Amobi 1:
please tell me?

Tell you it's a joke, or tell you, one of many Nigerians in the U.S.A, why Jews with no real home country were/are in Europe?

Do Miracles Happen Today?

They never did; except if you are so bent on looking for patterns that you ignore or excuse the many instances that nothing "extraordinary" happened, but selectively remember only the incidents easily explained by chance, placebo effect, and other naturalistic things.

GL:
it's really terrible. why should a homosexual want to be called a servant of a God who hates homosexuality?

Maybe they believe God doesn't hate homosexuality?

i believe God allows them to rebel against Him publicly for long so that on the Judgment Day, they it would be clear to everyone world that He is just.

You have a hweird definition for "just".

GeeCee:
I would rather live my life believing there is a God and die 2 discova that there is none than live my life as if there is no God and die 2 discova that there is one.

I'd rather live my life morally and ethically, than bother trying to resurrect Pascal, but that's just me.

Reverend:
@Kag

You forgot to mention the Leprechauns!

Lol, I did. Leprechauns forgive me.

4 Play:
My position on believing in God is simple

It is better that u believe for if it turns out he exists, u will be in an advantageous position

If on the other hand it turns out God does not exist,u lose nothing anyway

except if: you choose the wrong God; are wrong on the personality of the God you chose; got the vriteria wrong; forgot to do something inane that the God finds important; lose your sense of morality and happiness while living, because of the God you chose; live in abject ignorance because of the God you spuriously chose to believe in;

The answer from atheists is that u would have lost a lot in your life on earth but the fact is that every single study I have seen has shown that in Western society,those who believe in God have a better life than others-life expectancy,good health ,happiness

Really? This would be a good time to share some of those studies. Besides, drunk people are generally happier than sober people (remember that great saying?), but that's why appeal to consequences are stupid.

Not only do those who believe in God have better prospects with respects to the after life,if there is one,they have better prospects here on earth

Do you want to tell the holocaust victims, the victims of the Sudan killings, and the many other victims of genocides (just one offhand example), or shall I? Oh wait, they didn't believe in the right God anyway, so they don't matter.

Theists may be deluded ,but either way they win

You would think so, but you'd be wrong.

Amobi 1:
how the heck the jews ended up in germany at the first place? it seems far. or this might not be the right jews, eeehm?

I hope that's a joke

trini_girl:
A lot of people don't believe that God exists because of all the pain and suffering in the world.

Amongst other things.

If you subscribe to Christianity, when the world was created by God, it was perfect. When he created man and woman, they were perfect (complete), and had communion with God daily, which was their sole purpose. To bring pleasure to God.

No, it was good, not perfect. Why would the Christian God need pleasure, anyway?

After sin came into the world via disobedience, the first act of sin, it opened the door to a nature that was unknown to men before. The nature of satan, the deceiver, the manipulator the angel that was cast out.

Reading between the lines, the Christian God either wanted that to happen, or she didn't know it would happen.

How then could God correct this separation from Him, and make a way for us to again have that communion with him for which we were created?

It would be difficult. He tried wiping us all out, and he mourned.

So there was another way ,

So she didn't know of the other way before she tried wiping people out? By the way, you really believe there was a world wide flood that killed almost every thing?

a Redeemer, since man's sinful nature is inherent from the womb.

So here's what God did:-

He chose men to be priests . These priests would make sacrifices on behalf of the sins of the people. Blood was shed to symbolize the remission of sins.

Very paganistic.

If the priest himself was found to be in sin he would be struck dead in the ark of the covenenant and pulled out by a rope by the people outside.

In this same manner, he sent His son, Jesus the messiah, to be a sacrificial lamb to atone for the sins of the people

The blood of the Lamb of God, was shed once for all, so that there no longer needs to be sacrifices and burnt offerings to him for remission of sin.

In this way, provision was made for us to restore our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, by his blood, and by his grace (undeserved favour)

Why wait so long?

However, God cannot rule your life, unless you allow him to.

If u choose to remain in your inherent sinful nature, you expose yourself to every single attach of satan. Sickness, murder, you name it , the devil can do whatever he wants with and to you.

Hang on a second, are you saying Christians don't fall sick and no Christian has ever committed murder? Sounds dubious to me.

But Jesus has provided a way for us to be covered and protected and give us a rewarding life on earth, and an eternal home in heaven. Those who believe in him have hope. Those who do not are only confused.

Where is God? He is right there, watching u read this, but unless u allow him to take control of your life by accepting the free gift of salvation he provided through the blood of the Lamb, your fate is not in His hands.

He is a God of his Word, and a God of order. So if he says these are the rules, not even He can break them. Everything he says is yes and so it is!

Okay. By the way, I guess that settles the omnipotent thing.

Free will, free choice, another gift from God. This is what you have, so your fate is in YOUR hands.

Not always, but I see what you mean.

Curses move from generation to generation, man woman and child. Suffering exists in the world because of sin! Not because God can't do anything about it.

So she would rather not do anything about it.

He is a God of order, and a God of love. But if u choose to stay outside his will , well , you will suffer the consequences on this earth and beyond.

As far as the devil goes , God did not "create" the devil.

Lucifer was the angel in charge of music in heaven, he was beautiful, but He rose up against God in vanity, and God had to cast him, and all his supporters out of heaven.

He prepared hell for Satan (Lucifer), and other fallen angels . Hell was never intended for human souls.

I guess that settles (if anyone was in doubt) the omniscience thing too.

It is unfair to God for anyone believe that He does not exist, or that he functions as an evil dictator when he has done so much to help us receive salvation.

He loves us all.

I don't think you understand love very much - just my opinion.

GeeCee:
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A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."
"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.
"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God
doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?
Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.
The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."
"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber.
"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"
"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."
"Ah, but barbers DO exist!” Answered the barber. "What happens is people do not come to me."

"Exactly!" - affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens is people don't go to Him and do not
look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

Silly story that hardly bears little semblance to the different ideas of Gods (there seems to be many of them floating around this days - the flawed analogy thing, that is. Although there are many Gods floating around too).

First of all, there are many alledged barbers not just the one, and - and this is the important part - they are invisible. In fact, most times you need to be told about them by people who haven't seen the barbers, but are just sure they are there.

Second, what is this nonsense about them not wanting to come to him? That's a gross misrepresentation of the facts. Many have tried, many would like to believe, but they soon realise the barber is like Santa, Elves, and Unicorns (except the IPU of course), make believe.

Finally, I've been told that the Christian barber made things this way, so she probably wants dirty scroungy people for a reason.

agent0:
These vehement critics claim that there are mountains of scientific proof that man evolved from some lower species also related to apes.

There's a mountain of evidence alright, it's up to you to bother looking up the evidence (there's a reason practically every major university, including Christian ones, accept the theory of evolution as the best available answer to the origin of species question).

But in this tremendous effort to support Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, in all these "mountains of information," there has not been any scientific fossil evidence linking apes to man.

Fossil evidence? Here's one very good fossil evidence: Turkana boy. Other than fossils, there are other things that can be pointed out as evidence of shared ancestry, including:

[your=http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/96/18/10254]Shared endogenous retroviruses[/url] explainable only either by evolution or magic; fusion of chromosome 2, etc.

The trouble with the "missing link" is that it is still missing! In fact, the whole fossil chain that could link apes to man is also missing! The theory of evolution, which states that man evolved from some other species, has more holes in it than a crocheted bathtub.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2005-08-08-oppose_x.htm

Prominent hominid fossils: http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/homs/specimen.html

agent0:
Enjoy your life as an accidental species of animal with no purpose in life, For me? I will serve the Lord with a glad heart and enjoy the fruits of my faith and obedience and will happily accept my eternal reward for not buying into the lies of humanists, atheists and secularists,

Pity then , that accepting the ToE has little to do with Nihilism, let alone one's religious beliefs. Indeed, most theists, including Christians, accept the theory of evolution. In any case, good luck with your "eternal rewards blah blah"

queen2:
I'm confused, people say judaism is the oldest religion in the world and its abraham's religion, is it?

No, Judaism isn't the oldest religion in the world.

So do u think judaism and christianity is the same religion or just a similar religion

Christianity is like the bastard child of Judaism, sprinkle of Zoroastrianism, some Manichaeism, and a few pagan religions and traditions here and there.

Bobbyaf:
This is how I see the situation. The first step would be to define what God is from a biblical perspective. If Jesus fits the biblical definition also, then He is God.

Another point to look at is whether we are dealing with Jesus in His pre-existing form, or His post-incarnate form. We knew that Jesus existed before he incarnated, and that He is the Co-Creator of the universe. The book of Collosians describes Jesus as follows:


15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

If Jesus weren't God then He couldn't create. The scrptures even say that "by Him all things consist" which means that Jesus holds the universe together. The laws of the universe that ensure it doesn't implode on itself, were intiated by Jesus during creation.

One of the names that was given to Jesus, was Emanuel, which means "God with us"

The part that often confuses many as to the deity of Jesus has to do with the role He assumed as man. In His life of humility some take that to mean that He was a lesser God, whatever that means. because He prayed to His Father, and the fact that He called His Father "my God"

https://i12.tinypic.com/2yueedv.gif

By the way, Jesus' name wasn't Emmanuel, that was the name of the child in a "prophecy" that some Gospel writers and some Christians tried to shoehorn Jesus in to.

Ndipe:
Every story in the Holy Bible is 100% True!!!

Apart from: the literal interpretation of the Creation account, the story of Noah's flood, Balaam's ass giving him tips, Joshua and the Sun standing still, Joshua and his peeps singing the walls of Jericho down, David slaying a giant, Samson killing people by pushing the columns of a building down(after losing his strength because of a haircut, no less), Jonah getting swallowed by a whale, Jesus walking on water, Lazarus waking from the dead, and the many other myths I've forgotten; probably.

nferyn:
I think you're a little confused. What does gaia have to do with this discussion? The whole of nature as a living entitiy isn't exactly established science and if it were, it still wouldn't have any connection to the TOE

Exactly what I was thinking.

Another Christian failing the honesty test. Big surprise.

Bobbyaf:
Fluffy, there is the theory of evolution as well as evolution. Evolution in the true sense of the word takes place around us everyday. However the "theory" is false in that it is built up on false premises or assumptions.

No, itisn't.

As much as scientists so-called would like for us to believe that they have produced facts to support such theories, they are themselves decieved. The TOE is just that, a theory. It takes a lot of faith, and as a matter of fact more faith than is required to believe the bible, to believe that life moved from a state of atoms to humans, however how long it took for that to happen.

Wait, it takes more faith to believe observed and well tested science, than it takes to believe talking snakes, the "sun standing still so Josh could finish slaughtering", a whale swallowing a man, and all the many myths in the Bible? Makes sense.

By the way, you have your theory of evolution wrong again. The ToE only deals with the diversity of life.

Life can only beget life.The laws of bilology still hold. Cells make cells. There has to be an intact cell having all its properties to make cells of its kind. What applies to the cells then apply to them now.

Except when it doesn't: http://www.theharbinger.org/articles/rel_sci/fox.html

God our Creator in His divine wisdom knew what He was doing when He created life as the bible records it. He started out life with adult life forms that were given the ability to pro-create. Both plants and animals were already created with the DNA blue print in their cells.

Do you also believe the Earth and the Universe are about 6,000 - 10,000 years old?

Life is way too complex and orderly to have come about by chance. The TOE is all about chance. It lacks structure and a plan.

Nope, the ToE isn't about chance, but you already knew that, didn't you.

Besides, it demoralises mankind. It shows man's roots as a mere bunch of molecules, aimlessly coming together to eventually form life. The Bible on the other hand shows man's root lying in His Creator. That is why man has the ability to create things, because the bible alludes to that. We were made in God's image. He placed man over the animals. That is why we can reason and they can't.

Chimps making and using tools, Elephants with attitudes, [url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/feature/story/0,13026,989714,00.html]dolphins that plan[/url]; maybe, just maybe that's the reason we can reason and they can't.

If you ask any of the advocates of the TOE to show evidence they will point you to some website with concocted evidence. What they do is to overwhelm persons with scientific jargon, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see what is going on. Don't let them confuse you with their choiced expressions. They are good at that.

Oh no, I can't believe you're on to us. I thought we covered our tracks well, but you and your pesky investigating *shakes fists*. Yes, it's true, it's a world wide conspiracy, all the scientists are in on it, and we meet on Fridays to concoct evidence to fool the masses. Better watch your back Bobby, the EAC don't take kindly to people revealing our conspiracies.

Bless.

I need a shower now.