Society & Culture - 8 November 2007

2007-11-08 08:13:14 · 31 answers · asked by Linz VT•AM 4 in Religion & Spirituality

I helped a dog get back to it's owner a few days ago. The dog was in the road and kept running out into traffic. People were swerving and slamming on their brakes to at least try to keep from hitting him, but NOBODY else stopped to help him.

I stopped and got him, called his owners, and made sure he got home. People were honking at me, rolling down their windows to scream at me, flipping me off, and cussing me for making traffic slow down. We're not talking a major traffic back-up here - it might have taken them 15 seconds longer to get through the area - there isn't even a signal light there to have to wait for.

Are we too busy now? Too heartless? Too self centered?

Do you personally feel that we have a responsibility to help others (including animals) when able, or do you feel that your only responsibility is to you and yours? I DO feel that it is our obligation to help others when the opportunity is given.

All answers welcome! Thanks!

2007-11-08 08:12:08 · 37 answers · asked by nite_angelica 7 in Other - Society & Culture

2007-11-08 08:11:07 · 9 answers · asked by STFU Dude 6 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-08 08:09:01 · 28 answers · asked by Wickwire 5 in Senior Citizens

I'm a teacher and I've noticed that it's pretty common for parents to make-up names. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
I have two baby grand daughters with beautiful, old-fashioned names. Just found out yesterday that I'm going to have a grandson in February. When my son told me what they're going to name the child, all I could think of was, this poor kid is going to spend a good part of his life explaining how to say his name and how his parents came up with it. I know, it's none of my business and I would NEVER dream of saying anything to them. But I'm a teacher and I always feel bad when I have to ask a new student how to "pronounce" his/her name. It's not a name that rolls off the tongue easily. I know I'll get used to it and this isn't really a big deal but I'm curious, how many of you who are grandparents have thought the same thing?

2007-11-08 08:07:44 · 25 answers · asked by katydid 7 in Senior Citizens

2007-11-08 08:05:14 · 21 answers · asked by I'/\/\AZILLA2 3 in Religion & Spirituality

You realize that we are talking about mysteries when we speak about heaven and hell. God did not create anyone for hell. It comes as a result of people choosing to consistently and irrevocably remain opposed to God in His love and wisdom. It is a terrible state. Our Lord Jesus came to open the way for us to reach our destination in spite of our sins and weaknesses which prevent us. He rose from the dead trampling down death by His death and bestowing life to all those in the tombs. The Orthodox icon of the Resurrection is precisely the harrowing of hell. He stands astraddle on its gates which are broken down and instruments of captivity and torture lie about broken and sometimes even the devil is to be seen lying bound underneath those doors. And with His hands the Lord is pulling Adam and Eve from their tombs (sometimes only Adam - since he represents the entire human race and Eve arises spontaneously upon her partner's resurrection). He has Adam by the wrist rather than the hand to show that Adam (humanity) was totally helpless, totally dependent upon Him and His mercy. We deserve hell and death, but He delivers us! What love and mercy! What joy for us to be so loved!

Yet love does not constrain. If we choose utterly and finally (is this possible? - it must be so, at least in theory, or there would be no question of freedom!) to reject that love, that blessed Hand raising us from the tomb then in the tomb (hell) we will remain. This is death - but it is not non-existence as Jehovah's Witnesses would claim. We are irrevocably called into being by God. We can not die in the simplest sense of the word - i.e. stop existing. That is why suicide is such folly - it resolves nothing! There can be no oblivion, no cessation of existence. We must allow that sweet Hand to help us out of our anguish and receive the Life that it continually brings us.

I hope that I have shown that to speak of foretastes of heaven and hell is not something we can easily do as explanations of what goes on after a person dies. We already have foretastes of both states here and now! St. Silouan gave us who live in the 21st century some wonderful spiritual advice: "Keep your mind in hell and do not despair". In other words: accept the pain that comes along with existence at times, but do not give up hope.

Never give up hope. Pray, repent, love, act lovingly always!

Thus we pray for all who have died - as well as for all living and all yet to be born. This is the loving thing we, the Church, do. We do not presume to say exactly what this prayer does. That is for the Lord to manage - He alone can and in His wisdom does inspire, and apportion the power of these prayers so that we all take part in our own salvation and in the salvation of the cosmos. This is what love is about - giving us a choice and a part in this wonderful mystery.

To think that in spite of this love and mercy and this power some will nonetheless not be saved is a terrible thing yet it must be so for freedom to be an actuality. The thought should not make us feel good - on the contrary if we live in the love of the Lord, we ought to pray ardently and with tears that everyone - even our enemies (especially our enemies, if we are in the Spirit of the Lord) should accept and receive the saving Love that lifts them from hell.

With regard to the Saints, we are convinced - by signs that God has provided us - that they have already won the victory and are in a special position to help us and be role models for us. There are Saints universally recognized as such by the Church. There are also local Saints honoured by local Churches. And we also believe that our beloved "dead" pray for us even as we do for them. The Church is a community that transcends time and space and is united by love and prayer!

I hope this has helped to answer your questions - not in a literal way, for to try to do so literally would certainly be misleading.

Now with regard to your final question as to whether you must convert to be saved. With all humility - alas, many of us are not humble! - we Orthodox maintain that the clearest vision of the truth is available through the priceless heritage that we have obtained. We do not however maintain that those who are not here and now linked visibly, palpably to the Orthodox Church are doomed to hell. That is just the kind of literal approach I have tried to avoid in my long-winded answer.

It is not Church membership that saves us, but a loving relationship with the Lord and His creation. He does not look at our membership card but at our heart! The brother who has told you that you would be damned if you do not join the Orthodox Church (perhaps you misunderstood him, or he spoke hastily without thinking of the implication of his words?) also has to bring his heart, not his membership card to the Lord for inspection - continally and humbly.

Pray for us Orthodox that we do not give way to the temptation of Phariseeism (these were wonderul folk with tremendous insights and intentions - but alas, they were so aware of their correctness that they failed in that which is most essential - love of God and their neighbour, as we read in the words of the Lord in the New Testament). If the Lord leads you to join the Orthodox Church, well and good. If you do not find yourself so led, follow Him where you are. He alone is the way, the truth and the life. The process is still going on. No shortcuts, no easy answers. Just love, patience, humility, prayer!

2007-11-08 08:04:46 · 5 answers · asked by Jacob Dahlen 3 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-08 08:03:12 · 20 answers · asked by Run Lola Run 4 in Religion & Spirituality

It used to be 'a belief that no rational person could possibly hold'

Nowdays it seems to mean 'A belief not held by Richard Dawkins'

2007-11-08 08:02:49 · 9 answers · asked by Mr. Eko 4 in Religion & Spirituality

In simple text what do Jewish people believe (or not believe) that differs with the "normal" Christian belief?

2007-11-08 08:02:43 · 7 answers · asked by auriga2099 2 in Religion & Spirituality

I have been working on some personal healing issues without total success. I was thinking that it would be good to do the spell under the "correct" phase of the moon but can't seem to get a clear answer from my resources. Any ideas?

2007-11-08 08:01:32 · 5 answers · asked by shani 2 in Mythology & Folklore

Like everyone on this site I have had my trials and tribulations and I fully realize that I am no better than anyone else.

However I struggle with a sense of entitlement like I say I earned the right to be married or I have gone through enough hard times it is about time things start getting good. Lord knows I worked long and hard enough.

What is the best way to overcome selfish entitlement and what are good Bible verses to help with this issue and pride in my life?

I am learning that God, people, family, friends, enemies, co workers, people who hurt me dont owe me a blessed thing.

What are good godly ways to overcome this?

2007-11-08 08:00:47 · 38 answers · asked by encourager4God 5 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-08 07:59:39 · 22 answers · asked by Run Lola Run 4 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-08 07:59:39 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

He's been working a lot lately and been kind of stressed. :(

2007-11-08 07:59:36 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

It is going to be about evolution on trial. There's bound to be tons of educational value in this for many of the people I've talked with on this board.

2007-11-08 07:59:20 · 8 answers · asked by ChooseRealityPLEASE 6 in Religion & Spirituality

Do you know what I mean?

2007-11-08 07:59:14 · 8 answers · asked by Bruce Tzu 5 in Religion & Spirituality

Can someone help me find names that are orriginated from Ireland please... I have looked a few websites and one will say its from Ireland and the other will say its from elsewhere...

2007-11-08 07:57:54 · 7 answers · asked by I B 1 in Other - Cultures & Groups

Tomorrow I have to give a devotion at my church at our lock-in. I'm 15 now (not really relevant). I've done this many times before. I chose to give it on the "good and evil" aspect of life. Does anyone have any good ideas of what I could talk about, about this topic??

2007-11-08 07:57:07 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

You keep saying it and giving scripture for it..yet when explained to you it says the Number of the Tribes of Israel ,
How do you get..your the 144,000 spoken of in Revelations 7:4

Then what about those 144,000 mentioned in Revelations 14:3-4.....These are they who were not defiled by women;for they are virgins and follow the Lamb wherever He goes , These were redeemed among men, being the first fruits unto God and the Lamb??

serious answers please.......just dont get the understanding of your teachings..not trying to be rude....just dont get it!!

2007-11-08 07:56:28 · 19 answers · asked by hghostinme 6 in Religion & Spirituality

It is so hard to try and live a sinless life

2007-11-08 07:55:51 · 20 answers · asked by Gezza D 2 in Religion & Spirituality

My personal limit is 8,200 miles.

(Unless we are talking about Mable and she is wearing one of those short skirts she mentioned).

2007-11-08 07:54:38 · 18 answers · asked by MR TT, VT enthusiast 2 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-08 07:54:12 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-08 07:53:31 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

OK my birthday is november 18 we are plaanning to have the party on the 17 it is about 40-69 degrees so its cold what are some good places to have for an 11 year old turning 12 to have a party please help and i will give you 10 points a month if i can for best answer please helppppppppppp me !!!!

2007-11-08 07:52:53 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Holidays

i dont beleive in heaven or god or any of that. i honestly think you just die and don't know it, like a sleep. do you think that (if there is a heaven) and you die thinking that there is no heaven, something bad will happen to you, like you will not go to heaven while people that beleive, will? its really confusing but i was just wondering because some people told me that before but i dont really beleive it.

2007-11-08 07:52:39 · 14 answers · asked by lilprinx3 1 in Religion & Spirituality

If not, how about an educated guess? An assumption based on a reasonable train of logic?...come on, it must be something more than just an unsubstantiated belief. Those guys are so certain that evolution is wrong so their preferred explanation for the number of species that exist today must have something solid to back it up…does it?

2007-11-08 07:52:07 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

I need to buy for my boys, neices and nephews.

2007-11-08 07:51:32 · 6 answers · asked by Lisa 6 in Christmas

My parents have been gone for a week and told me to think about my "spiritual" beliefs. And I have. I'm an atheist, and have told them but they won't take me seriously.

So I decided to write a paper and am looking for good arguments against Christianity and the Bible to show them.

So far I have topics on: Pascal's Wager, Christmas and Easter pagan origins, Creation story, Free will, fear tactics used by religions, if God is really all-knowing/powerful, and certain Bible contradictions.

Mostly I'd like tasteful quotes or reasoning to add, or things I've missed out. I did put a lot of work into this and I'm hoping they will finally respect me after reading this paper.

Thanks in advance.

2007-11-08 07:50:12 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-08 07:50:00 · 5 answers · asked by Lo Lo Mai 2 in Religion & Spirituality