I know you don't really believe this.
Well you should know that I do state my beliefs sincerely. A man of truth will recognize that. Since I do know my own beliefs well, better than you do, all I can do is inform you that while you say that you know I don't believe what I said in this (about you should get the water from the source to never thirst again), the truth is that I do believe this, and that a world of people who do just that is the only solution to the problem of evil. Rather, in saying this, you seem to believe that I want to be a pastor or leader to you or something like that, whereby you will be seeking from me to quench your thirst. I do not believe that to be the right advice for someone as yourself. Rather, as John 1:4 says, the Word of God enlightens us, through the light that shines from men. I want you to light your lamp and make the world brighter, just as I described to you yesterday that I observed in that Muslim messenger.
As I said to you privately (and to change the metaphor), I am following my path. However, in the past several days, if my path is not the same as other peoples' path, my path is wrong. You yourself are currently telling me which path I must walk. So, here I am, asking directions. Which way now?
Yes, an apology is required for this. It is due to my own personal objection to your actions yesterday. I described my reason for the objection, yet even though my concerns are right, it was not right to have passed that judgement. You are aware of the wisdom Jesus expressed concerning the judging of others. Straight away I received judgment of the same measure. I expect that you will know that. Whereas St. Paul describes "who are you to condemn another man's servant? Rather, pray for him and with The Lord's help he will stand approved". While obviously the natural pull for me at this time is to justify my actions, that is deceitful and entirely motivated by my own sense of pride. Whereas the right thing to do is to admit wrong and ask forgiveness.
Where has there been bickering?
This is an interesting question. Flabbergasting. None is found on your threads from yesterday, yet it is found abundantly on threads that contain God's message. What motivated this comment must have been my predetermined belief based on fear and distrust, instead of looking at reality. This is again, motivated by emotion and self interests.
I have only replied in these threads to push for less ambiguous answers. Other than that, I've just let them run.
Hopefully though you will see why I have not implied that you are doing the bickering.
As for someone coming on to this forum, I would hope they believe it is okay to ask questions, and to take understanding over blind faith.
Thank you. You can see in my response the sorts of pressures we all face in doing this, as you say, taking understanding instead of gratifying beliefs.
Apparently, they would be wrong. That's why I opened this thread. But since people are discouraged by my asking questions, I will happily walk away. But that leaves me in a tight spot. The path I was walking was wrong, and I should follow yours. Now, asking questions discourages people.
Now you are making a statement of truth. Yes, asking questions can discourage people, if the question manages to invoke from the other a shameful response. Remember, Jesus said "I am sending you as sheep among wolves, so be shrewd as a serpent and harmless as a dove". I apologize because I failed to be that way yesterday.
Again, as I have said, I have been informed that messages I have been given are wrong. Fine. I am ignoring them, and listening to you. Instruct away.
Sure. Do what you know is right.
