I have read the "One Year Bible" twice but never really liked how it broke things up. Now, I'm nearly done reading the New Testament cover to cover, and have liked that approach much better.
I have read the "One Year Bible" twice but never really liked how it broke things up. Now, I'm nearly done reading the New Testament cover to cover, and have liked that approach much better.
Though Christian, I would have been a good Jew because I emphasize the 10 Commandments and don't de-emphasize the Old-Testament's contribution. I think God helps those who help themselves. Further, my understanding is that Christianity promises Salvation. I think that Faith can give us strength. We pray to ask that requests be filled. They might be, but I don't see these favors being part of the deal.
Some folks desire freedom from religion, and I understand that. One reason is that religion has made some of us dumber in that narrow views sometimes cause us to be mean spirited or less charitable than we should be. Sometimes these views influence public policy. My religious upbringing reinforced several cultural biases. I still have them but in a diluted sense. Thankfully, I recognize how they originated.
I believe in Satan and have looked him in the face.
Thank you for pointing to this fascinating Wiki on Propaganda Techniques. I studied many of these concepts and fallacies way back in college, when I my coursework included studies in Logic, Philosophy and Debate. Very helpful to expose these ideas to all, especially in today's world, lest they be leveraged as an ever greater means of manipulation by those intent on doing harm.
I just discovered the Bible app Dwell. Really enjoying and learning/rediscovering as I listen while driving and walking.
Adding nothing to the conversation since 2015....
I have the verse of the day that pops up on my phone. Today's was Proverbs 13:20.
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
That sounds like the "Three S's" to me.
Two I'll make note of:
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
I think of this as a good check every time I'm feeling (usually unjustly) like I've been wronged in some way. Basically, there's no excuse to act poorly toward people, no matter what has happened to me.
John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"
This holds a special place with me as a scientist because the Word is translated from "logos" in Greek, which refers to the rational workings of the world (and understanding the workings of the world with reason). It emphasizes God as the source of order in the universe, not an exception.
a couple of verses of Psalm 144...
1 Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: