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Understanding the text is not as important as understanding the meaning which the text conveys.
I have two problems; (1) when I read the text (in Englsh) I interpret it the only way I can. I do not get the same meaning as religious people (and even they do not agree amongst themselves) (2) I cannot read the languages that the bible was originally written in so I am reliant on the english translations.
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The words' message is the Word, of which the words themselves are vessels. (I hope that doesn't sound too mystical.)
Maybe I'd better stand up. That went right over my head!
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He already made an unambiguous appearance through Jesus Christ.
So YOU say. If he did it once he can do it again, I presume?
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How unambiguous an appearance do you want? Something involving Jesus' nail-prints and spear-wound?
An appearance by God will do.
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Rather, He wants you to believe Him as an act of faith, rather than compulsion.
But so does the Rainbow Serpent. Who am I to believe?
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Illustration-time: (this is adapted from something that Francis Schaeffer's daughter wrote) suppose you're climbing a high mountain,....etc
I take it in the analogy that the voice of the climbing guide is meant to represent God, the climber me and the ledge a leap of faith. That being the case I can confirm that I have never heard the voice of the guide. I have read a book left on the ledge, but it told me all sorts of things I know to be wrong. So I wouldn't trust it if it told me to jump.
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Evolution is about mutation and sex. Intelligent Design is about metaphysics and sects.
[P Morgenroth - Letters to the Age 13/8/05]

William found that he now thought of prayer as a sophisticated way of pleading with thunderstorms
[ Terry Pratchet "The Truth"]